Can I add a wood stove to my home in Augusta? | Fact brief

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Augusta homeowners may add a wood stove, subject to state and local safety rules. Maine law generally bars municipalities from prohibiting safe, commercially available heating systems, including wood stoves.

State law allows homeowners to install solid-fuel equipment themselves in a single-family home they occupy, provided the installation meets Maine Fuel Board standards. Augusta’s housing code simply requires that heating facilities be safe, working and properly installed.

Other Maine cities impose similar requirements. Bangor, for instance, requires a permit before installing a solid-fuel stove. South Portland requires a permit and fire department inspection before using alternative heating devices, including wood stoves.

Outdoor burning is a different issue. Maine generally requires permits for outdoor fires, but small residential grills and fireplaces used recreationally are exempt. Heating or cooking devices on decks and patios must be listed as safe for their intended use by a recognized testing laboratory.

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