What the Ross rules mean for a fireplace installation
Two Town of Ross rules decide what kind of fireplace can go into a Ross home. One covers indoor remodels that touch the firebox. The other covers outdoor wood-burning devices. Both affect which unit you can choose, so it helps to know which one applies before you pick a model.
Indoor remodels that change the firebox
The Town of Ross Building Department states that if a remodel alters or moves an existing firebox or requires a building permit, it counts as a new install, and only an EPA-certified or pellet-fueled device may be installed. (Source: Town of Ross Building Department – Building Codes.)
This applies to homeowners who plan more than a simple swap. If you are relocating a fireplace, reshaping the opening, or folding the fireplace into a larger remodel that needs a permit, the town treats the project as a new installation. That limits the choice of device to the categories the town names. Before any work starts, we go over your plans with you to work out which category your project falls into.
Outdoor wood-burning devices
Ross Municipal Code Chapter 15.42 bars installing a new or used outdoor wood-burning device in the Town of Ross unless it is EPA Phase II certified, pellet-fueled, or an approved low-emission unit; gas and electric devices are allowed. (Source: Town of Ross Municipal Code – Chapter 15.42 Outdoor Wood Burning Devices.)
A secondhand outdoor wood-burner that doesn't meet one of those conditions can't be installed. The rule covers used units as well as new ones. If you want a wood fire outdoors, the unit has to fall into one of the three allowed categories. If you are still deciding between fuels, our guide to gas vs wood burning fireplace sets out the trade-offs.
| Feature | Indoor firebox changes | Outdoor wood-burning devices |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Town of Ross Building Department – Building Codes | Town of Ross Municipal Code – Chapter 15.42 |
| What triggers it | A remodel that alters or moves an existing firebox, or one that requires a building permit | Installing a new or used outdoor wood-burning device |
| What may be installed | Only an EPA-certified or pellet-fueled device | EPA Phase II certified, pellet-fueled, or an approved low-emission unit; gas and electric devices are allowed |
Source
- Indoor firebox changes
- Town of Ross Building Department – Building Codes
- Outdoor wood-burning devices
- Town of Ross Municipal Code – Chapter 15.42
What triggers it
- Indoor firebox changes
- A remodel that alters or moves an existing firebox, or one that requires a building permit
- Outdoor wood-burning devices
- Installing a new or used outdoor wood-burning device
What may be installed
- Indoor firebox changes
- Only an EPA-certified or pellet-fueled device
- Outdoor wood-burning devices
- EPA Phase II certified, pellet-fueled, or an approved low-emission unit; gas and electric devices are allowed
Have these answers ready for your estimate
- Is the fireplace going indoors or outdoors?
- Will the project alter or move an existing firebox?
- Does the wider remodel already need a building permit?
- Do you prefer wood, pellet or gas?
- Do you have a specific unit in mind? If so, note its certification.
Fireplace installation in brief
Fireplace installation means fitting a new fireplace into your home or yard. We help you choose a unit that suits the space and its venting, set it in place, and connect it so it drafts and burns safely. We handle wood-burning and gas units, and we work on all major brands. For the full scope of the job, read how fireplace installation works.
When a new install is the right job, and when it isn't
- You need a new install if you are moving or reshaping a firebox, adding a fireplace during a permitted remodel, or putting in an outdoor unit. In Ross, the rules above can apply to each of these.
- If the fireplace you have still works but has cracked panels, a sticking door or poor draft, minor repairs usually make more sense than replacing it.
- If you only need to keep rain, debris or animals out of the flue, a cap is the simpler fix, and chimney cap installation for homes in Ross covers that job.
- If you're unsure about the state of an older chimney, start with an inspection before you plan an installation.
Planning your project
Our fireplace installation service covers the job in detail, and you can find all the work we do in Ross on the area page. We also take commercial and property-manager jobs.
Free estimates
Request an estimate and we'll go over your project against the town's rules.
Sources (1)
The sources of the Ross facts on this page.
- 1Town of Ross Building Department - Building Codes; Town of Ross Municipal Code - Chapter 15.42 Outdoor Wood Burning Devices
