The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Has Identified Wood Burning Fireplaces as a Significant Source of Air Pollution.  The BAAQMD Has Enacted Broad Restrictions on the Use, and Installation of Conventional Wood Burning Fireplaces.  These Rules Apply to All Fireplaces in the Areas Regulated by the BAAQMD.  This Section Updated March 3, 2009 To Reflect Changes In The BAAQMD's Enforcement Of These New Regulations.

• Spare The Air Wintertime Days

  • Prohibits Use of Wood Burning Fireplaces on Designated Spare the Air Wintertime Days
  • November 1st through February
  • Significant Fines for Violations
  • Effective November 1, 2008
     

• Repairs to Wood Burning Fireplaces

  • Requirements Vary By Jurisdiction
  • In Some Jurisdictions - Repairs Requiring Permits Trigger Removal of the Fireplace, Permanent Conversion to Gas or Replacement with Approved/EPA Certified Wood Burning System
  • Effective Date -  Varies By Jurisdiction
     

• Significant Remodels May Trigger Conversion of Fireplace

  • Remodels Requiring Permits - Requirements May Vary By Jurisdiction
  • May Trigger Removal of the Fireplace, Permanent Conversion to Gas or Replacement with Approved/EPA Certified Wood Burning System
  • Effective Date -  Varies By Jurisdiction
     

• New Construction

  • EPA Certified Wood Burning Fireplaces, Approved Low Mass Fireplaces, Gas or Electric Fireplaces Only - No Conventional Wood Burning Fireplaces
  • Effective January 1, 2009
     
• Several Exceptions
  • Wood Fireplace is Sole Source for Heat
  • Pellet Stoves
  • Does Not Preclude Selling a Home with a FUNCTIONAL Wood Fireplace
  • See BAAQMD for Complete Information
     

• Regulations Available at: www.BAAQMD.gov

• San Jose Mercury News Article:  Smoke police begin crackdown on newly illegal chimney fires

• San Jose Mercury News Article: Wood-burning ban in place now on Spare the Air Days in Santa Clara County