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View Full Version : Town of Warren Proposing Ordinance Banning Fireplaces/Woodstoves in Condos



Hawk
04-06-2015, 12:16 PM
I just saw a copy of the ordnance and it basically looks to ban all fireplaces, wood stoves, inserts and pellet burning stoves in multi unit facilities (Condos). We paid thousands to upgrade ours to meet state code a bunch of years back. this would totally suck for my complex. The ordinance also mandates fire alarm and CO detector testing every 6 months with fines for non compliance. There will also be fines for multiple false alarms at individual facilities.

Safety is important and I can't argue about the false alarms. They are a pain. But if you are in compliance with the state code then they should not be able to ban you unit. That is not right.

The town hearing is on April 28th if you are interested. I will be attending with many of my fellow condo owners.

cdskier
04-06-2015, 03:53 PM
April 28th doesn't help condo owners like myself that work during the week and live a few hours away. I agree that they should not be able to impose any bans like this as long as you are in compliance with the codes. I think this would suck for all complexes. Inspections this past summer revealed serious problems with all the fireplaces in my complex and the state fire marshal banned the use of each fireplace until they were brought up to code. As a result most owners of our units have been spending a great deal of money to replace the fireplaces or put in gas inserts.

I do agree safety is important and I can't argue either about the false alarms. I wouldn't have an issue with requirements for ensuring compliance with state codes, but an outright ban seems crazy.

HowieT2
04-06-2015, 05:08 PM
Would this apply to existing fireplaces such that they would have to be converted to gas or only new construction?

Dblshot
04-06-2015, 05:23 PM
This is a classic knee jerk over reaction. The issue with the fireplaces has been indetified and can be remedied by individual owners and associations. I agree that if it is up to state code then there should be no issue. When a private residence has a chimney fire will they outlaw single family homes having a fireplace? Yes, the fire at Mountainside was a big deal, but this over legislation is absurd. Another classic example of the fire department having too much power and influence and hiding behind "public safety"

Hawk
04-07-2015, 07:43 AM
Would this apply to existing fireplaces such that they would have to be converted to gas or only new construction?

They way I read, it applies to all wood burning apparatus new or existing. If you are in any multi-residence building like a condo, townhouse or apartment building it applies and you have to remove it or convert LP gas. I have a copy of the ordinance draft but it is too big to post. I will try to shrink it down and post it.

HowieT2
04-07-2015, 07:49 AM
This is a classic knee jerk over reaction. The issue with the fireplaces has been indetified and can be remedied by individual owners and associations. I agree that if it is up to state code then there should be no issue. When a private residence has a chimney fire will they outlaw single family homes having a fireplace? Yes, the fire at Mountainside was a big deal, but this over legislation is absurd. Another classic example of the fire department having too much power and influence and hiding behind "public safety"
Is it really?
I'm a borderline pyro and wouldn't want a place without a real wood burning fireplace or stove for myself. However, I must acknowledge that ski condos are frequently occupied not by their owners, but kids who are partying and shall we say, somewhat reckless with fire safety. None of the buildings sugarbush has erected in the last 10 years has a real fireplace. So, I think it's unfair to say that this is a knee jerk overreaction or absurd. You are dealing with old wood framed structures, where one idiot can set the whole place ablaze. And mountainside was lucky no one was hurt.

HowieT2
04-07-2015, 07:50 AM
They way I read, it applies to all wood burning apparatus new or existing. If you are in any multi-residence building like a condo, townhouse or apartment building it applies and you have to remove it or convert LP gas. I have a copy of the ordinance draft but it is too big to post. I will try to shrink it down and post it.

Send it to me. Is it an amendment to the building code?

Hawk
04-07-2015, 08:08 AM
Send it to me. Is it an amendment to the building code?

No it is a town ordinance. I will send it to you. I have an AOL account for you. PM me the right address if this one does not work.

Hawk
04-07-2015, 08:10 AM
I wonder what Win has to say about this. I am sure this affects some of the mountains property's.

HowieT2
04-07-2015, 08:32 AM
No it is a town ordinance. I will send it to you. I have an AOL account for you. PM me the right address if this one does not work.

I Pm you the email

gostan
04-07-2015, 10:49 AM
Wow. No grandfathering? That would be illegal and challengeable in most places. Maybe not in the socialist state of Vermont.😱

win
04-07-2015, 12:45 PM
We just found out about this too and will be attending the 28th meeting. I would recommend that the Condo Association all have someone there.