Point of Sale Information

In 2007, the Placer County Air Pollution Control District amended Rule 225, Wood Burning Appliances (PDF) to include Section 303, Sale or Transfer of Real Property. Section 303 prohibits the sale of residential and commercial property that includes a non-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II Certified free-standing wood stove, beginning January 1, 2012. It also requires a seller of such property, to disclose to the buyer the point of sale/transfer requirement and how compliance with Section 303 will b e achieved. If a property to be sold or transferred includes a non-Certified free standing wood stove (inserts and fireplaces are exempt), then the wood stove must be rendered inoperable prior to the sale/transfer. In order to determine how this affects you and to determine if your stove is already compliant, follow the process outlined.

Quick Facts

Fireplaces, dedicated cook stoves, inserts, and gas and pellet stoves are exempt from the requirements of Section 303.
Free standing non-certified wood stoves need not be removed or replaced, solely rendered inoperable.
Both the seller and buyer of property, which includes one or more free standing wood stoves, are subject to the requirements of Section 303.
The requirements of Section 303 begin January 1, 2012.
It is illegal to sell or install a non-EPA Phase II stove within Placer County.

Getting Started

1. Know What Is Required

The procedure manual (PDF) addresses the requirements of Section 303 and summarizes the method of compliance:

The Background of Rule 225, Wood Burning Appliances
Contact Information
District Assistance during Escrow
Enforcement
How to Identify if a Wood Stove is EPA Phase II Certified
Methods of Approved Wood Stove Destruction
The Process of Disclosure and what is required of a Seller and Buyer
Related Links
Wood Stove Statement of Compliance Disclosure at Point of Property Sale/Transfer Form

2. Fill Out & Submit the Real Estate Disclosure Form to the District

A real estate disclosure form (PDF) is provided at the end of the procedure manual. This form is to be filled out and signed both by the seller and the buyer of property. Options are listed on the form so that both parties can choose what method will be used in order to comply with Section 303. Once the form is filled out, the seller is required to submit it, to the District, prior to the close of escrow.

If the seller is not able to participate in the point of sale/transfer compliance process (for example, due to foreclosure) then the buyer will be responsible for submitting the disclosure form to the District and for meeting the compliance requirements. The buyer will have up to 30 days after the close of escrow to do this. The procedure manual outlines the process of disclosure in greater detail.

3. Render Any Existing Non-Certified Free Standing Wood Stoves Inoperable

If there is a non-certified free standing wood stove present at point of property sale/transfer, then it must be rendered inoperable. The procedure manual outlines the approved methods of wood stove destruction.

Fireplaces, inserts, cook stoves, gas and pellet stoves are exempt from this requirement. A failure to disclose and meet the requirements of Section 303 may result in a financial penalty.

Useful Links & Information

EPA list of Certified Wood Burning Stoves (PDF): This list provides all of the certified and approved stoves allowed within Placer County.
Rule 225, Wood Burning Appliances (PDF): Download a complete copy of Rule 225, which includes the requirements of Section 303.
Wood Burning Handbook (PDF): A handbook which provides useful burning tips and information about burning in wood stoves and fireplaces.

Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Email the Air Pollution Control District or call 530-745-2330.