(a) All fireplaces designed to burn solid fuel shall be constructed of masonry supported from the ground or upon fireproof construction. The back and sides of such fireplaces shall be at least six and one-half inches thick up to the point where flue lining commences, above which the construction shall comply with all requirements for masonry chimneys. Every such fireplace shall have a separate and distinct flue having a net area of not less than 45 square inches. No wood or other combustible material shall be permitted to enter the required thickness of masonry around the fireplace or flue. A permit shall be required and a fee paid in accordance with § 1424.11 before the construction of any fireplace may commence.
(b) The joint between the face brick or tile used for the mantel facing shall be slushed solid with mortar.
(c) The hearth shall be at least 20 inches wide measured from the outer face of the masonry and shall extend at least 16 inches on each side of the fireplace opening. The hearth shall be of brick or concrete at least four inches thick supported on brick arches, reinforced concrete or steel joists, or on steel bars not over eight inches apart. One end of the hearth supports shall rest on the fireplace supports.
(d) Every fireplace using heating appliances, for which natural or artificial gas is used as fuel, shall be provided with a suitable vent flue having a net area of not less than 12 square inches, and having all joints properly sealed.
(e) Flues will not be required when approved gas heating appliances are used for space heaters which meet the following requirements. A space heater shall produce no carbon monoxide. This requirement shall be deemed met when:
(1) A concentration not in excess of 0.02% is present in an air-free sample of combustion products when tested in a room with approximately a normal oxygen supply; and
(2) When the heater is operated in a reduced oxygen supply, a concentration not in excess of 0.05% is produced in a 1,000 cubic foot airtight room with no air changes occurring during the combustion of an amount of gas liberating 20,000 B.T.U.
(Ord. 1963-52, passed 5-6-1963)
(f) Notwithstanding any applicable sections of this chapter to the contrary, the installation of free-standing fireplaces with metal chimneys, smokestacks or flues shall be permitted in single-family nontransient residences, provided that such fireplace and appurtenances shall have been tested and approved by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. for the intended use.
(Ord. 1977-39, passed 4-4-1977; Ord. 2005-152, passed 6-20-2005)