What Evanston's fuel gas rules mean for your installation
Evanston has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code, the 2021 International Mechanical Code, and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, each with local amendments (source: Building Permits - City of Evanston). The fuel gas code covers gas piping and appliance connections, so it is the code that matters most when a new gas fireplace goes in.
Who may do the gas work
Evanston's Fuel Gas Code (Title 4, Chapter 17) requires contractor registration with the City. An owner-occupant may work on their own single-family home's gas system, but may hire only a City-registered mechanical contractor to help (source: City of Evanston - Ordinance 29-O-22, Exhibit H, Title 4 Chapter 17 Fuel Gas Code, 4-17-3).
If you own and live in a single-family house, you may handle your own gas system. Anyone you bring in to help has to be registered with the City. The owner-occupant allowance applies to single-family homes. If you rent the property out or live in a multi-unit building, ask the City how the registration rule applies before you plan to do any of the gas work yourself. Whoever you hire, ask them to confirm their City registration before work begins. That includes us.
Don't assume a small gas job is permit-free
Evanston's Fuel Gas Code amendments (Ordinance 29-O-22, Exhibit H) delete the model code's section 106.2 permit exemptions and refer applicants to the Building & Inspection Services Division (source: City of Evanston - Ordinance 29-O-22 Exhibit H, Fuel Gas Code (Title 4, Chapter 17)). The model code's list of work that needs no permit does not apply in Evanston. Don't rely on that list to decide that a gas job needs no permit. Check with the Building & Inspection Services Division before work starts.
Before installation day
- Ask the Building & Inspection Services Division what permit the job needs.
- Confirm that your contractor is registered with the City.
- If you plan to do part of the gas work yourself, confirm that you qualify as an owner-occupant of a single-family home.
- Choose a venting type. It helps to read up on direct vent vs ventless gas fireplaces first.
- Decide where the fireplace will sit and roughly where the gas supply would need to reach it.
Gas fireplace installation in brief
The job covers setting a new gas fireplace or insert, running or extending the gas line, and connecting the venting. It also covers installing and arranging the gas logs so the flame looks right. If you're converting an existing wood-burning opening, gas fireplace logs installation can be part of the same project. Before we hand the fireplace over, we test the burner, controls and connections. We work on all major brands. The full gas fireplace installation service explains each stage in more detail.
When a different job should come first
You may plan to vent through an existing masonry chimney. If that chimney has loose brick, a cracked crown or leaks, fix it before a new appliance goes in. Chimney repair for Evanston homes handles that work. If you already have a gas fireplace that won't light or burns poorly, you may only need a repair or a service visit, not a new unit.
Booking your installation
We offer same-day visits when the schedule allows. To learn more about the process, read how gas fireplace installation works. Our other services for local homes are listed in our work across Evanston.
Sources (1)
The sources of the Evanston facts on this page.
- 1Building Permits - City of Evanston; City of Evanston - Ordinance 29-O-22, Exhibit H, Title 4 Chapter 17 Fuel Gas Code, 4-17-3; City of Evanston - Ordinance 29-O-22 Exhibit H, Fuel Gas Code (Title 4, Chapter 17)
