Dear Cobblestones Homeowners,
As part of our shared responsibility to protect the safety of our neighbors and the long-term investment we all have in Cobblestones, the Board of Directors is issuing an immediate prohibition on the use of all fireplaces that burn combustible materials, effective immediately.
This includes wood, paper, cardboard, synthetic logs, or any other materials that produce embers or smoke.
We understand that fireplaces are a valued feature in many homes, and this decision was not made lightly. A recent inspection of the community determined that the original pre-fabricated, stucco-covered wood-burning fireplaces, installed more than 40 years ago, have reached the end of their expected service life. The inspection identified several concerning conditions, including:
- Rusting, pitting, and separation of interior flue pipe inserts
- Degradation of rear firebox walls
- Cracking of hearth and surrounding materials
Taken together, these conditions create an elevated fire risk—not only for individual homes, but for adjacent residences and the community as a whole.
Fireplace Responsibility Clarification
Under the Cobblestones governing documents, fireplaces and their associated chimney systems are classified as Limited Common Elements, meaning they are for the exclusive use of individual homeowners and are the responsibility of those homeowners to maintain, repair, replace, inspect, and insure. The Association does not maintain, repair, inspect, certify, or replace individual fireplace or chimney systems.
Existing Certification Requirement
Please note that submission of a passing fireplace and chimney inspection every two (2) years is already required under the Association’s Rules and Regulations. This notice does not create a new obligation, but rather reinforces and enforces an existing safety requirement in light of recently identified conditions.
What This Means Immediately
- All burning of combustible materials must cease immediately unless and until current inspection and certification documentation is on file with the Association.
- This prohibition applies regardless of how often or infrequently a fireplace is used.
Path to Reinstatement for Eligible Fireplaces
A fireplace that burns solid fuel may be used only if all of the following conditions are met:
- The fireplace has been fully replaced or substantially rebuilt within the last 20 years, and
- The work was completed by a licensed and insured chimney or fireplace professional, and
- The fireplace has passed a professional inspection within the last two (2) years, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations, and
- Written certification documentation is submitted to the Association for recordkeeping.
Homeowners should submit a photo or scanned copy of their inspection certification through the Onyx portal, using the same process as submitting a maintenance request. Until documentation is received, reviewed, and accepted, the prohibition remains in effect.
Reliance on Third-Party Inspections
The Association’s acceptance of inspection documentation is administrative only and does not constitute an endorsement, warranty, or guarantee of the condition or safety of any fireplace or chimney system. The accuracy and adequacy of all inspections, certifications, and repairs remain the responsibility of the licensed professional performing the work and the individual homeowner.
Gas and Electric Fireplaces
Homes with gas or electric fireplace conversions are not affected by this notice. No action is required for those units.
A Shared Commitment to Safety
We ask neighbors to be diligent and supportive of one another as we work through this transition. If you observe smoke or embers coming from a chimney, please understand that reporting it is not about blame or embarrassment—it is about safety. If proper documentation is already on file, there will be no issue. If it is not, the Association can address the matter promptly and respectfully.
Keeping Cobblestones safe truly takes a village, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and care for one another.
This prohibition is being issued solely in the interest of fire safety, community protection, and preservation of our shared property values, and does not constitute an assumption of responsibility or liability by the Association for individual fireplace or chimney systems.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
Warm regards,
The Executive Board
Cobblestones Homeowners Association