Building Code Glossary
Fireplace Stove: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define fireplace stove, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Fireplace stove is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A free-standing, chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position.” The IMC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Heating and Cooling Equipment (IRC 2009), Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment (IMC 2009), Combustion Air (IMC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Fireplace Stove — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A free-standing, chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Fireplace Stove, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A free-standing, chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A free-standing chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater, designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position. |
Where fireplace stove is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and Cooling Equipment | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment | IMC 2009 | 4 |
| Combustion Air | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Combustion Air | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about fireplace stove, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Hearth extensions for fireplace stoves shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace stove.
The terms fireplace stove is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what fireplace stove covers:
- Chimney — IBC 2009: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.
- Solid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
Fireplace Stove: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Heating and Cooling Equipment (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Combustion Air (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Chimney | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Solid | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of fireplace stove?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A free-standing, chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on fireplace stove?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Heating and Cooling Equipment in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
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