Fireplaces Masonry & Factory-Built / Chimney Repair

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Building Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

1. Architectural-style plans (for fireplaces being installed within a home, the plans must be signed & sealed by an Illinois licensed professional), that include:
   1. Plan View detail.
   2. Cross-section detail for installation of any factory-built fireplace or construction of any masonry fireplace.
   3. Elevation details that include the height of the chimney in relation to the building.
2. Legal Plat of Survey at original scale (for fireplace installations) with the following information indicated:
   1. Proposed fireplace drawn to scale at the proposed location.
   2. The dimensions from the proposed porch to the adjacent lot lines and any accessory structures.
   3. The electric meter location, electric service line path, and if the service is overhead or underground.
3. Manufacturer installation specifications (for factory-built fireplaces or gas log kits).
4. Approval letter from the homeowner’s association, if fireplace is proposed to be installed in a townhome or condominium.

Architectural Plan Requirements

Please submit architectural style plans that include the following information listed below:

Plan View - Must include the following information:

• Foundation/Pier location, dimensions/diameters of footings, and distances to adjacent piers or from building.
• Floor joist size, spacing, and span between bearing points.
• Ceiling joist size, spacing, and span between bearing points.
• Rafter size, spacing, and span between bearing points.
• All header sizes and spans.
• Beam sizes, spans, and cantilever dimensions.

Cross Section - Must include the following information:

• Foundation dimensions and depth below grade.
• Floor Joist sizes, spacing, span, and joist hanger locations (if applicable).
• Wall stud size, spacing, and height, also R-Value of any insulation that will be installed.
• All header sizes and spans.
• Ceiling Joist sizes, spacing, span, and joist hanger locations (if applicable).
• Rafter sizes, spacing, span, and wind uplift clip locations (if applicable).
• Roofing materials and specifications.
• Decking material specifications.
• Height of chimney above and distance to all adjacent roofs and walls.

Significant Building Code Requirements

Fireplaces are to be installed in compliance with the requirements found in the 2024 International Residential Code. Here are some of the codes that pertain to fireplace construction:

Foundation Requirements

• Foundations must be a minimum of 42 inches below grade.
• Foundations must be supported either by undisturbed soil or engineered fill.
• Foundations to be designed as per code and capable of carrying/conveying all imposed loads to bearing soil.

Fireplace Requirements

• All masonry fireplace installations must comply with the 2024 ICC codes.
• Prefabricated fireplaces must be installed as per code and in compliance with the product listing and manufacturer installation specifications.
• Gas log kits and gas starters must be installed as per code, and in compliance with the product listing and manufacturer installation specifications.
• All clearance to combustibles, mantle clearances, and hearth extensions must comply with code, manufacturer installation specifications, and product listings.

Electrical Installations

• All electrical installations must comply with the requirements found in the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all fireplaces. Additional inspections may be needed based upon the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.