Denver Department of Environmental Health Wood Burning Permits
The Department of Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Quality no longer issues burn permits for EPA Phase II stoves. On "RED DAYS" non-phase II solid-fuel devices (i.e. fireplaces and non-phase II stoves) are not allowed to be operated. For new stove installations, the installation permit issued by the Department of Community Planning and Development
http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/buildingpermits will allow both the installation and operation of the EPA Phase II device on "RED DAYS." Please call 311 for questions regarding building permits.
Definition of An EPA Phase II Solid-Fuel-Fired Device
EPA phase II solid-fuel-fired devices are wood burning devices, which have been certified by the EPA as low emission polluters. They have been designed for more efficient combustion of solid fuels such as wood, coal, and paper. These devices include fireplace-inserts, stoves, pellet stoves and furnaces. Solid-fuel-fired devices do not include natural gas-fired devices, commercial ovens or stoves, solid-fuel-fired barbecues, or public utility facilities generating steam or electricity.
Chimineas
A chiminea is a pot with many uses. One of these is burning solid-fuel (i.e. wood) in an outdoor setting. They have an opening at the base for fuel addition/air intake and a stack for smoke direction. These devices come in various sizes and shapes but all are basically this same design. Used in this manner, these units are solid-fuel-fired devices as defined in the Denver Revised Municipal Code for Rules and Regulations Governing Solid Fuel Burning. This means a chiminea cannot be used to burn wood or any other solid fuel in the City and County of Denver.
Pellet stoves may be installed and used, but it must be a model of pellet stove that has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
High Pollution Days
High pollution days are that period of time in which the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment anticipates levels of carbon monoxide or particulates (i.e. wood smoke) exceeding federal ambient air quality standards or when air pollution standards are exceeded for particulates, carbon monoxide, or visibility. Each day during high pollution season will be given in a “RED DAY” or “BLUE DAY” status. On “RED DAYS”, non-phase II solid-fuel-fired devices (i.e. fireplaces and non-phase II stoves) are not allowed to be operated.
Only EPA phase II approved solid-fuel-fired devices are allowed to be operated on "RED DAYS." On “BLUE DAYS”, non-phase II and phase II devices are allowed to be operated without a permit. To find out the current pollution status, please call 303-758-4848 (24 hours/day)
or go to the Residential Burning Information page http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/woodhome.html. Status conditions remain in effect for 24 hours and are updated daily at 4:00 p.m. It is each individual’s responsibility to know the pollution status before lighting a fire.