Public workshops for new wood-burning device regulations starting in Washoe County in 2022

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. – Incline Village, Crytal Bay, and the rest of Washoe County will be under a new wood-burning device regulation and the County will be holding public workshops ahead of changes coming at the beginning of 2022.

The new regulations will affect those selling wood-burning devices and those selling a home with one inside.

The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is giving stakeholders and residents the opportunity to learn more about changes. The first three meetings are for real estate, title company, retailers, and building officials:

WORKSHOP 1
When: Nov. 2, 2021, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 1001 E. 9 St., Bldg. B, Reno, NV 89512, Health District main lobby, A/B Conference Room
Audience: Wood-Burning Device Dealers and Inspectors, Box Stores, City, and County Building Officials

WORKSHOP 2
When: Nov. 3, 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/3eeu76yd
Call-In Number: 775-325-0620
Phone Conference ID: 258 051 455#
Audience: Real Estate Agents

WORKSHOP 3
When: Nov. 4, 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/33dcvb35
Call-In Number: 775-325-0620
Phone Conference ID: 505 077 82#
Audience: Title Companies

A public workshop will be scheduled for later in 2021.

The changes affect all wood-burning devices including wood heaters, fireplaces, and hydronic heaters. A draft of the proposed changes will be provided at the workshops and on the AQMD’s website www.OurCleanAir.com.

“Managing emissions from wood-burning devices has had a tremendous impact in trying to keep the air quality in Washoe County healthy for all residents,” said Francisco Vega, Division Director for AQMD. “These proposed changes aim to add clarity, transparency, and consistency to a program that continues to be a critical strategy in protecting the air quality resource in Washoe County.”

Based on the 2020 emissions inventory, it’s estimated that there are about 19,000 wood-burning devices in Washoe County.

With these proposed changes to the regulation, the AQMD is looking to better define exemptions to the removal requirements, clearly describe wood-burning device allowances for various parcel sizes and provide further transparency to the requirements for the different processes covered under the regulation.

See the draft regulations changes HERE.
See a flowchart on how to navigate the regulation change HERE.