Thread: codes and regulations for fireplaces

A friend from the US asked this question on another forum. I wondered if OZ builders have any relevent codes or regulations. regarding fireplaces or spacing of flue surrounds.

Here in the E Coast of US, there are many new homes that include fireplace inserts and wood stove provisions. The developers use wood frame chimneys into which are placed stainless steel chimneys outfitted with spacers to provide an air barrier.

NOW, within the last few weeks, weve had 3 fires in our area of Lancaster County and 2 over in Chester County. ALL were in new homes with these type chiomneys.
Ive been looking into it for a committee report to my Planning Commission. I could find nothing in the BOCA code regarding such construction and neither have I found any ordinances regarding these trypes of structures.
From my own investigation with the insurers, I found that some of these homeowners were using their fireplaces and wood stoves for daily heating of the living space. The fires started from the chimney structures reaching a temperature that allowed ignition.

Anybody have local ordinances regarding the construction and use of these type chimneys? Our homebuilders lobby has a lot of power and they have the legislature so tied up with percs and promises that the legislature wont do jack sh*t. If I can dig up enough information regarding other states, Provinces or munis taking some control action (like California not permitting cedar shake roofs where fireplaces are installed in a home), I would be most appreciative