Ordinance 12.52 and a new fireplace in Menlo Park
Under Menlo Park Ordinance 12.52, regulated wood-burning appliances must be U.S. EPA Phase II certified, and new or existing natural gas fireplaces, log sets and inserts are exempt. That comes from the City of Menlo Park Community Development handout, Chimneys, Fireplaces and Wood Burning Requirements.
For a homeowner planning a new fireplace, the rule matters most before the purchase. The fuel you choose decides whether the requirement applies. If you choose wood, the certification of the specific unit also matters.
Choosing a unit that burns wood
If the appliance you want is regulated under Ordinance 12.52, it has to be U.S. EPA Phase II certified. Check the manufacturer's documentation for that certification before you order. We go over the unit with you during the estimate so the one you choose meets the ordinance.
Choosing a natural gas unit
Natural gas fireplaces, log sets and inserts are exempt from the ordinance, whether they are new or existing. That makes gas the simpler route when it comes to certification. We do gas fireplace and gas appliance work, including running a new gas line when the fireplace needs one. If you're still weighing the two, our guide to gas vs wood burning fireplace covers how each one fits everyday use.
| Feature | Wood | Natural gas |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Phase II certification | Required for regulated appliances | Not required. Exempt |
| What's covered | Regulated appliances that burn wood | New or existing gas fireplaces, log sets and inserts |
EPA Phase II certification
- Wood
- Required for regulated appliances
- Natural gas
- Not required. Exempt
What's covered
- Wood
- Regulated appliances that burn wood
- Natural gas
- New or existing gas fireplaces, log sets and inserts
Settle the unit before it's ordered
Decide on the fuel, and for wood confirm the EPA Phase II certification, before a unit is purchased. That's much easier than finding a mismatch after delivery.
Fireplace installation in brief
Installation means fitting a new fireplace in your home. We help you pick the unit and fuel, prepare the location, connect gas where the unit needs it, vent it, and set it up ready to use. We work on all major brands. Some homes are better served by an insert in an existing firebox or by converting a wood fireplace to gas, and we do both of those jobs too. For the full scope, read how fireplace installation works.
When installation is the right job
- You want a fireplace where there isn't one now.
- You're replacing a unit you no longer want to use or keep.
- You're changing fuel type and want a unit that fits Ordinance 12.52 from the start.
- If the fireplace is sound but the chimney or masonry above it needs attention, chimney repair in Menlo Park is the better place to start.
Booking a fireplace installation
Commercial and property-manager work is offered too. The complete fireplace installation service has more detail, and you can see everything else we do in Menlo Park. When you're ready, request an estimate.
Sources (1)
The sources of the Menlo Park facts on this page.
- 1City of Menlo Park Community Development - Chimneys, Fireplaces and Wood Burning Requirements (handout)
