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Pellet, Wood, Coal Stove

Do I need a permit for a pellet/wood/coal stove?
Yes. A building permit must be taken out prior to installation of a solid fuel stove (wood, coal, pellet, etc). A copy of the manufacturer's specifications should be included with the permit application. These general guidelines may be used to install most stoves, new or used.


If the stove is new, installation is in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions. Many new stoves have built in features that allow you to reduce the minimum clearance guidelines below. Please save these documents for our reference at the inspection time.


Without manufacturers instructions you should do the following:

  • Wood stove must be installed into it's own flue. A flue serving another appliance such as a furnace may not be used. Flues must be properly sized
  • The stove should not have any cracks or broken parts which may make it unsafe to operate
  • The stove must be located on a non-combustible floor or an approved floor protection material shall be placed under the stove.
  • Most stoves should be spaced out at least 36 inches away from any combustible material. If not, fire resistant materials, or heat shields, should be use to protect woodwork and other combustible surfaces. Check the manufacturer’s literature for clearances from combustibles

 

  • Floor protection must extend out 6 to 12 inches from the sides and back of the stove, and 18 inches where the stove is loaded or cleaned out
  • Stovepipe of 22 or 24 gauge metal is used. The stovepipe diameter cannot be reduced between the stove and the chimney flue
  • A damper must be installed in the stovepipe near the stove unless one is built into the stove
  • There is at least 18 inches between the top of the stovepipe and the ceiling or other combustible material.
  • Check manufacturer’s literature for minimum clearances
  • The stovepipe slopes upward toward the chimney and enters the chimney higher than the outlet of the firebox
  • The stovepipe enters the chimney horizontally through a fireclay thimble that is higher than the outlet of the stove firebox
  •  The stovepipe does not extend into the chimney flue lining
  • The inside thimble diameter is the same size as the stovepipe for a tight fit
  • A double-walled ventilated metal thimble is used where the stovepipe goes through the interior wall
  • An ALL FUEL metal chimney can be used where a masonry chimney is not available or practical. The assembly must be approved by an acceptable testing agency such as UL (Underwriters' Lab)
  • The chimney is in good repair and the flue is not blocked
  • The chimney flue lining and the stove pipe are clean
     

Other things to consider

  • If you are not sure of the chimney condition, have the chimney inspected by a reputable contractor.
  • In general, chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year. Just prior to the heating season is the most practical time. If the chimney is used for full-time heating, a second cleaning should be done midway through the heating season.
  • We suggest that you notify the company insuring your property. They may want a copy of the permit and inspection report.
  • Burnt product disposal procedures should be carefully followed. For instance, ashes should be put into a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The metal container should then be removed from the house to cool on a non-combustible surface.
  • Be sure you are burning the proper type fuel for your stove and that it is of good quality.  Be sure the chimney extends to the proper height above the roof to insure a proper draft.
  • We recommend not operating a stove when it will be left unattended.
  • Smoke detectors should be installed and their operation checked periodically.