The gas-only rule for new fireplaces in Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto Development Center's residential construction guide (7-2020) states that a local ordinance prohibits installing new wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves, and that all new fireplaces must be approved gas-burning appliances.
This applies to any homeowner adding a new fireplace. In practice, fireplace installation in Palo Alto means choosing an approved gas-burning unit, such as a built-in gas fireplace or a gas insert, plus the gas supply and venting it needs. Gas fireplace and gas appliance work is offered. If you are still weighing the two styles, our guide to gas vs wood burning fireplace explains how they differ in heat, upkeep and day-to-day use. For a new unit, though, the city's rule settles the fuel question.
Check before you buy a unit
Do not order a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove for a new installation here. Under the ordinance described in the city's construction guide, a new fireplace has to be an approved gas-burning appliance. If you are unsure whether your project counts as a new fireplace, ask the city's Development Center before you buy.
City inspection before the vent is covered
The city's residential construction guide requires that all flues, vents, heating ducts and chimneys be inspected and approved by city building inspection after installation and before they are covered up (source: Residential Construction Guide, 7-2020).
For a gas fireplace, this mostly affects the vent. If the vent runs through a wall, a ceiling or a framed chase, it has to stay exposed until a city building inspector has approved it. Drywall, chase siding, trim and finish surround all wait until after that approval. Plan your schedule and any finish trades around that pause.
How a gas fireplace job is sequenced
Choose the unit and its location
Pick an approved gas-burning fireplace or insert that suits the room, and decide where it will sit and how the vent will run out of the house.
Install the unit, gas supply and venting
The appliance is set, the gas line is run to it, and the vent is connected along its full path.
Leave the venting open for city inspection
Flues and vents stay uncovered until city building inspection has inspected and approved them.
Close in and finish
After approval, walls and chases can be closed and the surround and trim finished.
Fireplace installation in brief
The job covers choosing a gas fireplace or insert for the room, planning its placement and vent route, running the gas supply, setting the unit and its venting, and testing it before it goes into regular use. We work on all major brands. For the full scope and what to expect on installation day, read how fireplace installation works on the main service page.
When a different job fits better
- You already have a wood-burning fireplace and want the convenience of gas: converting it, or fitting a gas insert or gas logs, may suit you better than a new unit. Fireplace conversion, fireplace insert installation and gas log installation are all offered.
- Your existing prefab unit is worn out: replacing the prefab fireplace may be the more direct job.
- Your gas fireplace works but is not lighting or running well: repair or routine service is usually the right call, not a new installation.
- You only need glass doors on an open fireplace: door installation covers that on its own.
More on the service and the area
For details that apply to every job, the fireplace installation service page covers it fully. For everything else we handle for homes in the city, from chimney sweeping to dryer vent cleaning, go to our main Palo Alto page. To start a new gas fireplace project, get in touch and request an estimate.
Sources (1)
The sources of the Palo Alto facts on this page.
- 1City of Palo Alto Development Center - Residential Construction Guide (7-2020)
