Woodburning Appliance Ordinance Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the City of Santa Rosa Control District or be a gas log If I have one of the old and non- pass a Woodburning Appliance . compliant models, how am I affected Ordinance? • Remodels: If a homeowner is by the ordinance? The City Council was concerned remodeling within 12 inches of an On June 1, 2004, it will be unlawful about the impact of wood smoke on older model freestanding wood to use or operate one of these its residents. The City Council stove or an older model fireplace wood stoves or inserts. You do not believed that there was a need to insert and the remodel work need to replace the appliance, but adopt an ordinance to lessen the exceeds $2,500, the homeowner you will not be able to use it. risk to human health and the envi- will be asked to remove the How do I determine if my wood stove ronment caused by woodburning appliance. This does not apply to or appliance is affected by the ordi- appliances. without an insert or a nance? pellet stove. When does the ordinance go into Generally, if it was made before effect? If I have a traditional open 1991, or has metal it does not The Council adopted the ordinance fireplace in my , am I affected comply. You can also look on the on June 18, 2002 and it was effec- by this ordinance? back of your wood stove for the tive 30 days later. The immediate No, it excludes traditional open EPA certification label. impact was on permits and hearth fireplaces and also wood But I am using the wood stove or a mandatory notification when an fires used for cooking. It only ap- insert for heat in the winter; what do I individual purchases a home about plies to freestanding wood stoves do? the ordinance and its requirements. and fireplace inserts. If you are using a non-compliant How does this affect building permits? Why are old freestanding wood stoves wood stove for heat, we suggest The ordinance affects both new and fireplace inserts a problem? that you replace the stove with a home construction and remodels by Not all wood stoves and fireplace more efficient model. If this is your requiring particular types of wood- inserts are a problem. Wood stoves only source of heat, you can apply burning appliances in . are used primarily for heat and burn for a hardship exception which will • New Homes: If a new home has for longer hours. Wood stoves allow you to use your older stove a fireplace insert or a freestand- made prior to 1991 produce un- after June 1, 2004. Hardship appli- ing wood stove, it must be certi- healthy levels of toxic air contami- cations can be picked up at the fied by the Environmental Protec- nants. Since 1991, technology has Community Development Depart- tion Agency (EPA), be a pellet improved and new stoves and ment, City , 3. If you stove, be certified by the North- inserts burn hotter and much have to burn wood for heat, you are ern Sonoma County Air Pollution cleaner than older models. encouraged to use the cleanest method possible. What does this ordinance require when I sell my home? For more information about the health effects of wood smoke or clean As part of the real estate transac- burning tips: tion, the seller of the property is required to provide a mandatory American Lung Association at its city of Santa Rosa’s disclosure to the buyer regarding website at www.lungusa.org/ wood smoke and woodburning redwoodempire or 707-527-LUNG appliances. You can pick up his (5864) Woodburning mandatory disclosure form from Bay Area Air Quality Management your real estate professional or at District at www.sparetheair.org or 1- Appliance Community Development, Room 3, 800-HELP AIR. City Hall. Hearth, & Barbecue Association Are there items that I cannot burn at www.hpba.org/consumer Ordinance in my fireplace? Great Wood Stove Changeout at Yes, you are prohibited from burn- http://woodstovechangeout.org ing garbage, treated wood, plastic (note: Santa Rosa does NOT have a FAQ ’s products, rubber products, waste change out program at this time, but petroleum products, paints, paint this website has great general informa- solvents, coal, glossy or colored tion about wood burning appliances.) paper, particle board or salt water driftwood. For compliants call 1-800-334- ODOR (6367). What do I do if someone in my neighborhood is not complying with the ordinance? First of all, your neighbor might not be aware of the ordinance require- ments. You can help educate your neighbor by giving them a copy of this brochure, a copy of the free wood burning handbook available at www.sparetheair.org or at Com- CITY OF munity Development, Room 3, City SANTA ROSA Hall, or you can give them a copy of the ordinance # 3567.