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This guideline is intended to provide the homeowner/contractor with the basic information needed to apply for an integrated building/mechanical permit or mechanical permit to install a prefabricated wood burning fireplace or stove. An integrated building/mechanical permit is required when the installation includes framing work. A mechanical permit is required whenever a prefabricated wood burning fireplace or stove is installed or replaced.

The prefabricated fireplace or stove installer/contractor must be a registered financial responsible (bonded and insured) or licensed contractor authorized to do mechanical work. Homeowners performing their own work may obtain a permit to do mechanical work within their own dwelling with no requirement to be registered or licensed.

1. Fill out and sign the appropriate application for permit. Permit type depends on the scope of work as indicated above.

2. Provide two (2) copies of the manufacturers installation instructions. (The unit shall be certified or tested by a nationally recognized and approved testing agency and bear that agency's label).

3. Submit four (4) separate copies of detailed building construction plans drawn to scale containing the following:
   1. A room floor plan showing the following:
      1. Location and size of the fireplace or stove. Dimensions from the two nearest walls.
      2. Hearth size and materials. Hearth and hearth extension to be a minimum of 4" of solid masonry or per manufacturers installation instructions. Hearth size required based on size of the firebox opening:
         6 sq. ft. of opening or more = 1'-8" minimum hearth extension with 12" each side.
         Less than 6 sq. ft. of opening = 1'-4" minimum hearth extension with 8" each side.

   2. Section of the fireplace or stove showing the entire installation from the supporting floor up to the chimney termination above the roof. Show the following:
      1. Indicate the clearance to combustibles from the firebox opening as required by the manufacturer's installation manual.
      2. Flue type, size and clearance (flue to be enclosed with drywall or equal materials on all floors above the floor where the unit is located, but may be exposed in the attic).
      3. Firestops (at ceiling of each floor and attic).
      4. Height of chimney above roof. (Chimneys shall extend above the roof a minimum of 3 feet and 2 feet higher than any portion of the building or roof within 10 feet.)

   3. Front elevation of fireplace.

      Refer to the attached drawings for typical information and requirements that need to be indicated on your building construction plans.

4. Four (4) copies of site plans must be submitted with your application if the firebox and/or chimney is located on the exterior of the building. (Check first with St. Louis County Zoning Review if unincorporated or with the municipality regarding set back restrictions from the lot line).

5. Applicants should check with their local fire district for any additional requirements which may apply.

NOTE: Only tested and listed gas-fired log lighters and decorative gas-fired log appliances are permitted to be installed in prefabricated wood burning fireplaces when the fireplace is also listed to allow for the installation of the gas-fired log lighter or decorative gas-fired log appliances. See homeowner/contractor guideline titled “Gas Log Lighters” and “Decorative Gas Log Appliances” for additional information. [CAUTION: It is Public Works understanding that there are not very many gas-fired log lighters on the market that have been tested and approved resulting in being listed and labeled by an approved agency. As a result there may only be a few, if any, available in this area.]

For more information on installing a Prefabricated Wood Burning Fireplace or Stove, please visit the following sites.

Plot Plan - 220K
Elevation Drawing - 100K
Fireplace Section - 142K

Revised 2/9/98, 6/3/02, 11/12/02