I am trying to find details on code for an outdoor fireplace.  I am
trying to find any restrictions on set back, height, size etc. that
will need to be taken into consideration prior to building an outdoor
fireplace.

Hello al610, I just received a reply from the Building and Code
Enforcement Manager for Carlsbad:

Hello Mr D***** - 

Outdoor fireplaces require a building permit if they are to exceed 6
feet above finish grade. The City can provide a pre-engineered
structural detail over the counter for construction of this fireplace.
The structural details are not available via the internet.

Fireplaces which require a permit (over 6 feet in height) must be
setback from property lines a minimum of 5 feet. 

Please check with your HOA (if applicable) for more restrictive
location criteria.

Thank you

Patrick Kelley
Building and Code Enforcement Manager
1635 Faraday Dr
Carlsbad CA 92008
Phone (760) 602-2716
FAX (760) 602-8560
Email - pkell@ci.carlsbad.ca.us

I believe that this answers your question.

Good luck with your project, Redhoss

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Request for Answer Clarification by al610-ga on 13 Sep 2004 20:23 PDT

I guess from this I need to go to the city to answer part of my
question.  Do you have any other suggestions to get structural details
to meet code?

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Clarification of Answer by redhoss-ga on 14 Sep 2004 04:43 PDT

There are plans available for different kinds of outdoor fireplaces.
You did not say what materials you plan to use. However, it seems that
the city is willing to supply a "pre-engineered structural detail"
that does meet code requirements. Since code requirements for outdoor
fireplaces are not available online, it hardly seems worth the risk to
proceed without getting info from the city. I know from personal
experience that if you ever get a city building department mad you are
in for a tough time. I would visit the city office and see what they
have for you.

I have sent an e-mail with your specific request to the Carlsbad
Building Department. I would expect no answer before Monday. I did
find this that you might find interesting:

http://ordlink.com/codes/carlsbad/maintoc.htm

I will get back with you as soom as I hear something from the city.