Skip to main content

Residential Fireplace and Chimney Removal Update

The Department of Planning and Development is pleased to offer residents in the unincorporated Santa Clara County a convenient, low-cost option to remove a residential fireplace and chimney. 

How to Apply for a Permit for Residential Fireplace and Chimney Removal

Residential fireplace and chimney removal is now part of our Minor Permit Program. The program aims to offer a quick and easy permitting process for eligible projects. See below for an overview of the application process. 

  1. Application Submittal: Submit your application through the Public Permit Portal.
    1. Create an account on our Public Permit Portal. Refer to this Step-by-Step Guide for account registration information.
    2. Click Create - Create Development Application - Minor Permits
    3. Submit a completed Development Services Intake Form
  2. Application Review: A Permit Center team member will review your application and invoice any applicable fees. We will notify you if additional information is needed.
  3. Permit Issuance: If your application meets all requirements and all fees have been paid, we will issue your permit within a few days.
  4. Inspections: Upon receipt of permit, you may start work. You will need to schedule two inspections at the following time to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
    1. Post Demolition: Schedule a rough framing inspection
    2. Project Completion: Schedule a final inspection

Financial Assistance and Tax Credits

Financial assistance and tax credits are available for replacing wood-burning equipment with more energy efficient equipment, including heat pumps. There are several programs and credits available:

Additional Information

During winter months, wood smoke is the largest source of air pollution in the Bay Area, accounting for more than one-third of fine particulate matter pollution. On cool, calm days when there is an inversion layer of warm air acting as a lid over a layer of cold air, wood smoke can build up at ground level to unhealthy concentrations.

It is important to understand the rule and impact of burning wood. Learn more about these topics from the flyer below. This flyer has been translated into different languages. 

Sign Up for Alerts

Refrain from burning wood and other solid fuel when a Spare the Air Alert - Burn Ban is in effect. 

Get the most up-to-date alerts and advisories today
 

*Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure information found on this webpage is up-to-date and correct, the Department of Planning and Development makes no representation as to the accuracy of information maintained by other agencies that may be found on this webpage.