Amendments to Fuel Burning Fireplace Equipment Code
(Previously called the Solid Fuel Code)

Kurt Schroeder, Wichita Superintendent of Central Inspection

Beginning in March 2008, the Mechanical Board, in conjunction with Office of Central Inspection and Law Department staff, developed recommended amendments to the City’s Fuel Burning Fireplace Equipment Code.  During the process, the Board and staff invited Wichita licensed fireplace companies and installers, as well as Wichita licensed mechanical companies that perform fireplace installations, to participate in the Board’s review and amendment discussion.  The Board’s review of the Fuel Burning Fireplace Equipment Code was also publicized in the Office of Central Inspection’s CINCH (Construction Industry News from City Hall) newsletter, issued in July.  Several licensed fuel burning equipment and mechanical company representatives actively participate in the review.

On August 28, 2008, the Mechanical Board unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed amendments prepared by the Board and staff.  Adoption of the ordinance amending the Fuel Burning Fireplace Equipment Code is scheduled for City Council review and action on October 7, 2008.  The City Council vote/action can be found on the City’s Web site at www.witchita.gov by clicking on “City Council” and reviewing City Council meeting agendas and/or minutes.  The amendments will also be posted on OCI’s Web site at www.wichita.gov, and are also available in hard copy from OCI.

Key amendments to the Fuel Burning Fireplace Equipment Code include the following:

• New definitions for “gas fireplace equipment” and “gas fireplace contractor”, and definitional clarifications of what constitutes fuel-burning fireplace equipment.
• New requirements for fireplace businesses and installers/supervising installers to obtain certification from the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) as a Fireplace Gas Specialist, Fireplace Wood-burning Specialist and/or Pellet Specialist – the NFI examination and certification replaces the previous City of Wichita locally developed and administered “Solid Fuel Contractor” certificate are required to obtain required NFI certification within two (2) years of ordinance publication.  Master and journeyman level mechanical certificate holders who install fuel-burning fireplace equipment are exempted from additional fireplace installer certification;
• Implementation of a minimum supervision ratio of one (1) certified master or journeyman level fireplace equipment installer for every three (3) uncertified apprentice installers on a job or job site;
• New bi-annual continuing education for fuel burning fireplace equipment certificate holders, similar to the continuing education requirements for other Wichita trade certificate holders (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, lawn irrigation, drain layers, etc.).