Austin regulates how residential fireplaces are used and constructed.
Article 11, Chapter 25-12, Title 25 outlines the residential building code for the city of Austin, Texas. Among other technical instructions, this section of legislation regulates the design, installation and maintenance of fireplaces in residential dwellings. The city prohibits fireplaces to be installed in hazardous locations, and all accessories must be used and installed according to the manufacturer's specified instructions.
Factory-Built Fireplaces
According to Chapter 18, Section 1803.1, Article 11 of Austin's Residential Code, fireplaces built in factories must be tested in accordance with United Laboratories Standard 127, and should be listed and labeled as such. The code also states that hearth extensions on factory-built fireplaces must be distinguishable from the floor surrounding it. A factory-built fireplace cannot use an unvented gas log heater unless it has been specifically listed, labeled and tested for that type of use in accordance with UL 127.
Fireplace Stoves
Chapter 18, Section 1805.1, Article 11 of the city's Residential Code requires fireplace stoves to be installed, tested, listed and labeled in accordance with United Laboratories Standard 737. Fireplace stoves and room heaters that burn solid fuel must be connected to chimney flues.
Noise Reduction
According to Section 25-12-12, to reduce outdoor-to-indoor noise levels by 25 decibels, a residential fireplace must have a "well-fitted" damper. To reduce outdoor-to-indoor noise levels by 30 decibels, a vented fireplace cannot be used.
Masonry and Pellet-Burning Fireplaces
Fireplaces used for masonry must be built according to the same standards as factory-built fireplaces, according to Chapter 18, Section 1802.1, Article 11. Austin's Residential Code mandates that fireplaces fueled by pellets must be listed, labeled and installed according to manufacturer's specifications.
Tags: listed labeled, accordance with, Chapter Section, Residential Code, with United Laboratories, accordance with United, according manufacturer
