Fireplace installation in Palatine starts with a permit
The Village of Palatine's 'When a Building Permit is Required' page lists adding a fireplace as a project that requires a permit (source: When a Building Permit is Required | Palatine, IL). The Village's Building Permits FAQ also states that some tasks involving fireplaces require a building permit (source: FAQs: Building Permits, Village of Palatine). If you are putting a fireplace into a room that has never had one, plan the permit step before any work begins. If you are changing an existing fireplace, check with the Village whether your specific task is one that needs a permit.
Which codes the installation is reviewed against
Palatine's residential building permit guide says projects are reviewed for compliance with the 2021 International Residential Code (with amendments), the 2021 International Mechanical Code (with amendments) and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (source: Obtaining a Residential Building Permit: Submittal Requirements, Village of Palatine Community Development Department). For a homeowner, this means the fireplace, its venting and any gas connection are reviewed against a published code edition, as installed in your home.
What the permit submittal asks for
The same Village guide sets out two requirements that apply directly to fireplaces (source: Obtaining a Residential Building Permit: Submittal Requirements, Village of Palatine Community Development Department):
- Working drawings must include a cross section of any masonry fireplace. For a site-built masonry fireplace, the drawings have to show how it is constructed in section, not just where it sits on the floor plan.
- Manufacturer's specifications are required for fireplaces and stoves. For a factory-built fireplace, the maker's specifications for that exact model are part of the submittal.
Choose the model before you plan the paperwork
The submittal calls for manufacturer's specifications, so it helps to settle on the exact fireplace model early. Changing units partway through can mean the documents no longer match what is being installed.
Planning a new fireplace around Palatine's requirements
Decide on the type of fireplace
Masonry, factory-built wood-burning or gas. This choice determines whether a masonry cross section, manufacturer's specifications or both belong in the drawings.
Gather the documents
Collect the manufacturer's specifications for the chosen unit. For a masonry fireplace, have working drawings prepared that include its cross section.
Confirm the permit with the Village
Adding a fireplace is listed as permit-required. Check the Village's current submittal requirements before scheduling the installation.
Install to the reviewed plans
Build or fit the fireplace, venting and any gas connection as shown in the approved documents.
The job in brief
A fireplace installation covers fitting a new fireplace and everything it needs to run safely: the firebox or factory-built unit, the damper, the flue or liner, and the venting through the roof or wall, including flashing where the chimney passes through the roof. Gas fireplace and gas appliance work is offered, so a gas unit can be part of the same project. We work on all major brands. For the full scope, read how fireplace installation works.
When a different job fits better
Sometimes you don't need a new fireplace at all. If the chimney above your existing fireplace is cracked, leaking or loose at the roof, start with chimney repair in Palatine rather than replacing the whole system. If you are deciding between gas units, our guide to direct vent vs ventless gas fireplaces explains how the two differ before you pick a model for the permit documents.
Getting started
Commercial and property-manager work is offered as well. To see the details, visit our fireplace installation service page, or browse everything we do in Palatine. When you're ready, get in touch to request an estimate.
Sources (1)
The sources of the Palatine facts on this page.
- 1Obtaining a Residential Building Permit: Submittal Requirements (Village of Palatine Community Development Department); FAQs: Building Permits (Village of Palatine); When a Building Permit is Required | Palatine, IL
