The State of Colorado regulates the sale and installation of new and used woodburning devices and the use of woodburning stoves on Air Quality Action Days in the Denver-Metro Area (including Boulder County). Individual cities may have additional, stricter regulations within their jurisdiction.
Regulations require that:
- Only EPA Phase II or Colorado Phase III certified woodburning devices be sold, resold, or installed.
- Colorado Phase III stoves must pass both particulate matter and carbon monoxide emission standards.
- EPA Phase II certified stoves must only pass standards for particulate emissions.
- Any fireplace installed in a residence must be gas, electric, or certified woodburning stove/inset, or an approved pellet stove/insert.
The use of woodburning stoves and fireplaces on Air Quality Action Days is prohibited unless:
- The stove is EPA Phase II/ Colorado Phase III certified.
- The stove is an approved pellet stove.
- The area is above 7,000 feet in elevation.
