GUIDELINE NO. 8 - CHIMNEYS, FLUES, AND SMOKESTACKS

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all chimneys, flues and smokestacks.

The purpose of this guideline is to ensure that the flue installation will match the architectural style of the applicant's house. The guideline applies to single family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Homeowners' Associations must be consulted for additional restrictions.

A. Flues that exit the foundation or the exterior wall of the house and run vertically up the exterior wall:

1. Flues shall be totally enclosed with brick or stone or a material which matches the exterior house finish.

Examples:

• A brick house shall have a stone or matching brick enclosure.


• A house with wood siding shall have a brick or stone enclosure or a wood siding enclosure painted or stained to match the house.


• A house with aluminum siding shall have a brick or stone enclosure or a matching aluminum siding enclosure.


• A house with some brick trim can have either a matching brick enclosure or an enclosure matching the siding.

3. Flashing and trim shall be painted to match adjacent materials.

B. Flues which exit the rear slope of the roof and are not visible from the front:

1. Flue cap shall be painted to match existing roof color.

2. Flue shall not exceed 14" outside diameter

3. If the flue is visible from the street, the flue enclosure shall extend the entire length of the flue.

4. If the flue is located on the rear slope of the roof and is not visible from the street, it may not need to be boxed in.

5. Howard County building code states a minimum height requirement for chimneys. Height shall not exceed that minimum unless required for proper functioning.

6. Flashing and trim shall be painted to match adjacent materials.

C. Flues which exit the front slope of the roof or the roof ridge are discouraged and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

D. Multiple Flues

Additional flues must meet the guidelines outlined above. While each case will be reviewed individually, the following criteria will be considered.

1. If the flues can be simultaneously viewed, they must be identical with respect to design, proportion and materials.

2. If an additional flue is added adjacent to an existing one, both flues must be combined in one boxed enclosure.

Application Requirements:

The application must include a site (plat) plan and exterior elevations showing the exact location of proposed chimney, flue and/or smokestack and a complete description of materials to be used. In the case of an additional flue or multiple flues, complete information on any existing chimney or flues must be included. For all new chimneys, flues, or smokestacks a manufacturer's drawing or photograph should be submitted, if available.