Yep....code says so.

Consider a decorative hood or replacing cooktop with one that has a downdraft vent, though this will need to find a route to the outside. I do not recommend eliminating a vent altogether.

The code allows kitchens built before current requirements came into effect to be "grandfathered" in. Remodeling a kitchen means it must be brought up to current standards. Operable windows do not count in the current code..used to in bathrooms, but not any more. Tell that inspector not to discuss code unless he can quote chapter and verse. I can..but it is late and this is free...not my paying job!

In addition to the fact that it's a code requirement, you WANT a vent in your kitchen. If you spend much time cooking in a kitchen that has inefficient venting, you'll realize how important it really is. That amazing meal you fixed for dinner doesn't smell quite as great when the aroma is still in the rest of your house at 10pm.

If you do any cooking, a vent is essential...You will soon find a greasy residue on the walls, cabinets, etc..without one.

ironwood is correct. Your remodel could and probably has crossed over the line of renovation to new construction based on the ratio of the space being remodeled, therefore, you would not be covered by the "grandfather" exemption............however, with that said, there is this little statement at the beginning of just about any code......."The Authorities having jurisdiction...". Your local building department may very well still accept an operable window in the kitchen as acceptable. I would ask for a confirmation by the chief inspector if you are still in question about it.............use your resources available, that's what your tax dollars are paying for.

With all that said.....................regardless of what the building department will accept, I would still put a vent hood with an exhaust fan to the exterior if you do any cooking at all.

Consider relocating your cooktop/stove to a different wall when you remove the wall. It will make a vent easier to install. I recommend installing an in-line vent or an exterior vent. These move the fan to the attic or crawl space or outside the house. I installed a Broan model and we love it because it is extremely quiet since the fan is in the attic. All we hear is the air whooshing through the filter, and it is moving 600 cfm. It is nice being able to leave the fan on low while we are eating with guests because it keeps the air fresh without the loud fan noise that the all in ones have. A fan will also reduce the number of false alarms from your smoke detector in the kitchen.

I have a new GE cafe series gas stove with no vent, it is not code to have one in Massachusetts (our plumber pulled a permit and we were inspected by the town). I have had no issues without a vent.

When we bought it, our 1920's era house had no vent over the kitchen range. We lived with it like that for twelve years. Am I making an argument that going without a vent is fine? I'm afraid not. Putting in a professional-strength exterior-venting hood (we too chose a Broan) was one of my top priorities for our renovation. Before we installed the hood we had a residue of stickiness over everything near the range, thus requiring constant cleaning, and had cooking smells that lasted well into the following day. Now, three years post renovation? Clean shelves and clean air.

I just replaced my vent hood yesterday after living without one for a month. I love having it back. (I didn't get Broan but it works just fine). I'd try rearranging your space before living without.

You might look into a 'downdraft' vent with a remote blower attached to the exterior of your home; or an inline blower that's placed in the duct run in the floor. Dacor appliances has some really nice down draft units. www.dacor.com

Another vote for the vent hood. I just did something I never do -- got distracted and left a burner on with the saute pan on the hob. Thought I'd turned it off. Definitely glad for the vent hood right now.

Rosann, read S. Thomas Kutch's comment about enforcement...and know that all 50 states, all US protectorates and the District of Columbia have approved the International Residential Code for use. Enforcement is optional...but not building to code leaves you open to liability and can affect resale.

@roseanne. Using a gas stove without venting out doors can be very dangerous, regardless of code.. Why wait for the government to tell you that its not safe, read up on the products of combustion and decide for yourself. Better to be safe than dead from carbon monoxide poisoning

Any suggestions for the best brand that makes a downdraft vent (separate from a gas cooktop)? We have a 36" Dacor downdraft vent from 1999 when our house was built (by the previous owners) and the buttons don't work, and the venting just isn't that effective. I completely understand that hoods are more effective, but we don't want to cut into the ceiling/block our open view/change the granite on the countertop. We just want the most effective downdraft vent that is on the market right now and I just cannot get a good read on what the best option is. Online reviews are all over the place, and every salesperson I've spoken to at the various appliance companies can't seem to give me a good answer--everyone just keeps telling me that hoods are the best, which doesn't answer my question. Please help! Thank you!

International Residential Code (International Fuel Gas Code)

G2425.8 (501.8) Appliances NOT required to be vented.

The following appliances shall NOT be required to be vented:

1. Ranges.

2. Built-in domestic cooking units listed and marked for optional venting.

3. Hot plates and laundry stoves

4. Type 1 clothes dryers (Type 1 clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the requirements of Section G2439).

5. Refrigerators.

6. Counter appliances.

7. Room heaters listed for unvented use.

...

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_24_sec023.htm

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M1503.4 Makeup air required.

Exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 400 cubic feet per minute (0.19 m3/s) shall be provided with makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the exhaust air rate. Such makeup air systems shall be equipped with a means of closure and shall be automatically controlled to start and operate simultaneously with the exhaust system.

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_15_sec003.htm

I appreciate this information, however I would LIKE to get a downdraft vent. I just don't know which one on the market is the most effective.

They are all equally ineffective.