I. When Is a Permit Required?

A building or combination permit is required to construct any masonry fireplace or wood-burning prefabricated fireplace. Some gas-burning decorative fireplaces, fire pits, kilns or barbecues do not require a Building or Combination permit but may require a Plumbing or Electrical Permit, refer to Information Bulletin 103.

II. Zoning Regulations

Fireplace enclosures may encroach into required yards subject to the following limitations in SDMC §131.0461 item (a)(4):

1. The fireplace enclosure may not encroach into the required yard more than 2 feet 6 inches or 50 percent of the width of the required yard, whichever is less. The fireplace shall not be closer than 2 feet 6 inches to the property line;         
2. The fireplace and chimney are not subject to the 45-degree sloped building envelope requirement and may extend to the maximum structure height at the required setback;              
3. The fireplace enclosure shall have a maximum width of 10 feet measured from grade to the roof eave or the sill plate of the second floor, whichever is lower and a maximum width of 5 feet beyond that; and
4. No more than two projecting fireplaces per building elevation are permitted.

III. Options for Service

Prefabricated fireplaces tested and evaluated by an approved testing agency such as the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), CSA or UL reports shall be provided.

1. If the construction of an interior fireplace is part of a room addition or remodel project, the plans may be checked via Rapid Review. Including a copy of the reports or specifications in the building plans may be necessary.     
2. Reports for prefabricated fireplaces may be acquired from the responsible testing agency or the fireplace supplier. These reports must comply with the California Building Code (CBC) in effect at the time of plan submittal to obtain the building permit.                       
3. Custom-designed fireplaces require a registered design professional’s (Architect or Engineer) stamp on the construction plans and associated calculations and may have to be submitted for structural plan review.
4. Only a direct-vent sealed-combustion gas or sealed wood-burning fireplace; or a sealed woodstove or pellet stove shall be installed. (Refer to residential requirements in the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, Subchapter 7, Section 150.) Woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces shall comply with applicable local ordinances. (CAL Green Section: 5.503.1)

IV. Forms to Complete

1. Project Contacts Form
   California State Law requires every permit applicant to provide specific information and declarations regarding the proposed work on an application before a permit may be issued.                                                   

2. Title 24 Energy Documentation
   All interior fireplace construction must comply with the California State Energy Commission Section 3.5.2. Compliance is demonstrated by compiling the “Mandatory Measures Checklist: Residential” (MF-1R). This checklist must be incorporated into the building plan.

V. Plan Requirements

Plans must be clear, legible and drawn to scale. The following is a list of minimum plan requirements:         

1. Site Plan
   This plan shows the layout of the lot and all existing and proposed structures. For more information, refer to Information Bulletin 122, How to Prepare a Site Plan and Vicinity Map.                        

2. Foundation Plan
   ​​​​​​​A foundation construction detail may be incorporated into an approved report. In all cases, a foundation plan is required.         

3. Floor Plan
   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Provide a dimensioned floor plan of the room where the fireplace will be installed. If a door or window opening is being removed, provide the dimensions of all remaining doors and windows.      

4. Other Plans
   ​​​​​​​Custom-designed fireplaces may require plans not listed. These include, but are not limited to, exterior elevations, section views and connection details. An analysis for all necessary views and details will be made at the time of submittal for plan review.

VI. Options for Service

Adding or replacing a fireplace requires a building permit. Applicants can submit through the online portal by selecting Building Construction.

VII. Fees

Fees will be collected for fireplace permits. For more information, refer to Information Bulletin 501, Fee Schedule for Construction Permits - Structures.

VIII. Inspections

During construction, inspections are required for foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, fireplace installation and interior and exterior wall covering. See Information Bulletin 120 for more information on Inspections.