(click here) to download the Wood Heater Statement of Compliance and Fact Sheet (311K).

(click here) to view the list of approved wood stoves for the Lake Tahoe Basin (250K).

(click here) for a list of certified wood stove inspectors in the area. (Re-direct)

(click here) to download the "Wood Burning Handbook: Protecting the Environment and Saving Money" (560K).

Wood stoves and fireplaces are of particular concern in Lake Tahoe, due to wintertime inversion layers that prevent the smoke from leaving the Basin. These inversion layers trap smoke close to the ground resulting in elevated pollution levels, poor visibility and even contribute to the decline in lake clarity.

Although the smoke from one wood stove or fireplace may seem minor, added together these stoves and fireplaces discharge tons of dangerous particulate matter, carbon monoxide and a family of cancer-causing chemicals known as polycyclic organic matter to the air each year.

For this reason, the TRPA enacted a "Wood Heater Retrofit Program." This program is similar to those adopted by agencies in such cities as Mammoth Lakes, Telluride, Aspen, Reno, as well as many others across the United States. The TRPA's program has been in effect since January 1, 1993, and is designed to reduce the amount of smoke and other harmful emissions from older, less efficient wood stoves and fireplaces. The program requires that all existing wood heaters, excluding legally existing open fireplaces, comply with emission standards prior to any sale, transfer, or conveyance of any building. These standards can be found in subsection 91.3.B of the TRPA Code of Ordinances.

(click here) for a complete description of TRPA's wood stove regulations. (83KB)

Compliance with the program must be evidenced by a statement from the seller made under penalty of perjury. This statement will be made on a form provided by the TRPA. No other forms will be accepted. This form will require the property owner to state either that: (1) the structure does not contain any existing wood heaters or: (2) that all existing wood heaters in the building, excluding legally existing open fireplaces that are not primary heat sources, conform to the applicable emission standards. The statement shall be submitted to TRPA prior to the sale, transfer, or conveyance of any building and a copy provided to the new owner no later than at close of escrow. This statement is required for all subsequent sales, transfers, or conveyance of the property.

The TRPA's wood stove retrofit forms can be obtained at our office located on 128 Market Street, Stateline, Nevada. For more information on TRPA's Wood Heater Retrofit Program, please contact TRPA at (775) 588-4547.