Hi Jeff,

Here is the link to the Mill Valley Municipal Code: http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=76

Go to Title 14, chapter 14.40 for the fireplace ordinance. Let me know if you have questions.

Regards,
Mike

Mike Barnett
Senior Building Inspector & Plans Examiner
City of Mill Valley
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415)388-4033 X111 (8-9 AM & 4-5 PM)
Most Building forms & handouts are available online: http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=701

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Comment:

The Mill Valley rules appear to have been based on the 2001 BAAQMD Model Ordinance and written before the 2010 EPA Voluntary Fireplace Program. Presumably now Mill Valley will have to comply with BAAQMD Regulation 6 - be tested to ASTM E2558, be EPA qualified and approved by the BAAQMD.

At least the rules seem to allow gas logs installed in wood-burning fireplaces.

14.40.040 General Requirements. It shall be unlawful in the City of Mill Valley to:

A. Use any wood-burning appliance when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues a "Spare the Air Tonight" warning and when an alternate legally permitted heat source is available.

B. Install a wood-burning appliance that is not one of the following: (1) a pellet-fueled wood heater, (2) an EPA certified wood heater, or, (3) a fireplace certified by the EPA if the EPA adopts a fireplace certification program. The conversion of a gas fireplace to burn wood shall constitute the installation of a wood-burning appliance and shall be subject to the requirements of this ordinance.

14.40.030 Definitions

F. "Gas Fireplace" means any masonry or factory-built fireplace in which a device that has been designed to burn natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas in a manner that simulates the appearance of burning wood has been permanently installed so the burner pan and associated equipment are affixed to the masonry or metal base of the fireplace.