Rev. 1.29.21

Permits for installation in site-built structures

The installation of solid fuel-burning appliances (woodstoves, factory built fireplaces, pellet stoves and inserts, etc.) in site-built structures shall be installed per manufacture listing. If you have a mobile or modular home, contact the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries at 312 Stonemill Drive, Suite 120 in Vancouver, or call 360.896.2300, for a woodstove permit.

Permits required for all stoves and inserts

Permits are required for the installation of all solid fuel burning appliances. A permit for the installation of a woodstove can be obtained from the Clark County Permit Center, located on the first floor of the Public Service Center at 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver. If a contractor is installing the stove, the contractor’s valid license card must be submitted with the permit request.

Listed woodstoves and inserts

Woodstoves and inserts are required to be approved or “listed” by approved testing agencies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  These units have been tested and approved under extreme conditions.

All new woodstove and fireplace insert installations must meet State of Washington Emission Standards. These “listed” stoves and inserts must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the instructions must be posted with the permit at the time of the Building Inspector’s visit. The manufacturer’s metal placard must remain affixed to the stove for the duration of the installation in the structure.

Unlisted woodstoves and inserts

Unlisted appliances are any appliances that have not been approved by a recognized testing agency. An insert is any part of the appliance that fits inside the firebox. All fireplace inserts installed in Clark County must be listed.  

Used woodstoves and inserts

No used solid fuel burning device shall be installed in new or existing buildings unless such device is certified to meet the state of Washington Emissions Standards. Lists of approved woodstoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, and masonry heaters are available at www.ecy.wa.gov by entering “woodstove fireplace information” in the search box. You can also call Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360.574.3058 or 800.633.0909.

Exception: antique wood cook stoves and heaters manufactured prior to 1940.

Floor protection under stoves and inserts

Solid fuel-burning appliances: The clearance reduction models specified in Table 308.6 of the Mechanical Code shall not be utilized to reduce the clearance required for solid fuel-burning appliances that are labeled for installation with clearances of 12 inches (305 mm) or less. Where appliances are labeled for installation with clearances of greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the clearance reduction methods of Table 308.6 shall not reduce the clearance to less than 12 inches (305 mm).

Hearth extensions (inserts)

Hearths should be installed for use with any fireplace or insert. Hearths should extend at least 16 inches from the front of the firebox opening and at least 8 inches beyond each side of the stove/insert.

The standard minimum clearance from the firebox to a combustible wall is 36 inches. If there is not enough space in the room to accomplish this, a noncombustible heat shield may be created using the materials and clearances shown in figure 1.

Thicknesses shown for materials are minimums only. All clearances should be measured from the outer surface of the appliance to the combustible material disregarding any intervening protection applied to the combustible material. Spacers must be of approved non-combustible material such as metal, ceramic, concrete, brick or stone.
All synthetic rock, decorative material, or adhesive used in the installation must be listed and approved as a non-combustible material by an approved testing agency. Sheetrock is not an approved material for wall protection.

Combustion air

Woodstoves are required to have tight fitting metal or ceramic glass doors. They are required to have a source from outside the structure of primary combustion air, connected to the appliance as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The air inlet shall originate as a point below the fire box. The duct shall be four inches or greater in diameter, not exceed 20 feet in length, and be installed as per manufacturer’s instructions; or be certified and tested and modified as required by WAC R1006.2

Chimneys

Chimneys shall be constructed of masonry in accordance with the current adopted version of the International Residential Code and the International Mechanical Code or they shall be approved, factory-built assemblies “listed” and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other recognized agencies for use with wood burning or other solid fuel-burning appliances. The approved chimney assemblies shall be installed in accordance with their listings. The required clearance from the chimney to combustibles will be indicated on each section of chimney. The minimum clearance for a masonry chimney is two inches. All chimneys must have a cleanout and an approved liner. Metal liners installed in masonry chimneys or relined chimneys shall be of approved “listed” materials and installed in accordance with the listing.

Chimney connectors

A chimney connector shall not be connected to a chimney flue serving a fireplace. When installing the connector (stovepipe) to the chimney, you must maintain 18 inches of clearance between the pipe and any combustible material, or use approved material to reduce clearance, or use an approved and “listed” chimney connector. Chimney connectors shall be pitched upward from the appliance at least one-quarter inch per foot.  There should be no dips, sags, or downward pitch from the appliance. A connector shall be as short and straight as possible, and shall be securely supported, with joints fastened with 3 sheet metal screws, rivets, or other approved means. The appliance shall be located as close as practical to the chimney.

Chimney height termination

The chimney shall terminate at a point not less than two feet above any portion of a structure within a 10 foot radius of the chimney.

Required clearances from combustible materials

Typical woodstove or fireplace stove installation