Wood Burning Appliances
Woodstove Checklist Cover letter (pdf)
EPA-Certified Wood Stove Search
Mendocino County Woodstove Requirements
Only EPA certified devices, or pellet stoves, can be installed in single or two family dwellings in areas that are not part of a major subdivision created after 5/5/07.
Pellet fueled devices are not subject to EPA’s certification program and therefore are not required to have tags or labels (they may have an “EPA exempt” tag).
The District allows the installation of used devices, provided they are either pellet devices or are EPA certified.
Multifamily (3 or more attached units), Commercial or Public buildings cannot install new woodburning devices except to replace an existing device.
All new devices are required to have a temporary “time of sale tag” and a permanent metal label.
If both tags are missing the device is not EPA certified and therefore cannot be installed under District Regulation 4.1.
Non-EPA certified devices may be allowed - if the device is approved by another California Air Pollution Control Agency (such as Northern Sonoma County APCD).
Outdoor wood boilers are not allowed under District Regulation 4.1, unless they are approved by another California Air Pollution Control Agency.
Waste oil burners must receive written approval from DTSC (see here)
Available Documents
Health Effects of Woodburning (pdf)
District Woodstove Rule Implementation Guidance (for Planning Agencies - pdf)
Other Links
Burning Issues dot Org (Outside Link - Pt. Arena).
Choosing the right wood burning appliance.
Learn the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right wood-burning appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe.
Please contact the District with any questions.