Return air and fireplace

[Richard Roshak]

We have 1000's of townhouses built 25 years ago with the HVAC return less than 10' from wood burning firepleces. All of these homes are on slabs. How is this permitted?

[Markus Keller]

- Wasn't on original Plan so AHJ didn't catch it under Plan review
- One or the other was installed after the AHJ came through
- AHJ is a hack and never actually walked into any of the properties
- AHJ inspector is independent contractor who gets paid per stop
- Maybe the AHJ gave them an exception because the fireplace is recessed
Who knows, take your pic. I'm never surprised by what the AHJ doesn't write up.