Residential Fireplace and Wood Stove Exemptions

The department regulates wood burning in residential fireplaces and wood stoves during periods of high particulate matter (dust), carbon monoxide or ozone pollution, when air quality monitoring or forecasting indicate that air quality standards are likely to be exceeded. The following list contains exemptions to this regulation under County Ordinance P-26 for certain conditions. If you need an exemption for your residential fireplace or wood stove, call the department at 602-506-6010. 

Residential Sole Source of Heat Exemption 

To qualify, the resident must have applied for an exemption to this ordinance prior to December 31, 1995. Residential Sole Source of Heat exemptions will not be issued after that date. No other oil, natural gas, electricity, or propane furnace or heating systems can be installed in the residence.

Temporary Sole Source of Heat Exemption

These exemptions may be issued if the applicant has an economic or health issue.  A Temporary Sole Source of Heat Exemption shall not be issued for more than 150 days. An applicant would need to qualify for nutrition assistance, medical assistance, or low income energy assistance programs, as administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, or have a direct health danger to quality for this exemption.

Emergency Exemptions

These exemptions may be issued if the department determines that an emergency situation exists. Some examples of emergency situations include inoperable residential heating systems (for reasons other than the actions of the resident) or cases where a resident's heating system has been involuntarily disconnected by a utility company. These exemptions may not be issued for periods greater than one year.

Inadequate Alternate Source of Heat Exemption

This exemption may be granted if the residence has a heating system installed (other than a woodburning device), but that system is not the sole source of heat in the residence and is unable to heat the residence to a minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The residence must comply with all applicable building code requirements. This exemption may not be issued after December 31, 1995. However, exemptions that were issued before this date may be renewed on a annual basis.

Residential Fireplace Retrofit Program

The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program is a program designed to reduce air pollution from wood burning fireplaces and provide residents cleaner air to breathe. Maricopa County residents whose homes are already plumbed for natural gas and are within the program boundaries are eligible to participate.

For more information on this program or to apply, visit the Clean Air Make More website.