Few things beat the appeal of cooking outdoors in the summer. But before you fire up the grill on your apartment balcony or patio, there’s an important reality check: local fire codes and building regulations may prohibit it.
Cooking is the number one cause of fires in apartment buildings, according to FEMA. Because so many people live in apartment communities, many states, cities, and property managers have put strict rules in place to reduce the risk of fire. These rules vary, so what’s allowed in one city may be banned in another.
Here’s what you need to know before you cook.
The Regulatory Landscape
Fire codes around the country commonly restrict open-flame cooking on apartment balconies and patios. While specifics differ by jurisdiction, here are some common rules:
- Open-flame cooking devices like charcoal or propane grills are often prohibited on combustible decks, patios, or balconies or within 10 feet of any structure.
- Even where gas grills are allowed, propane tanks above a certain size (often one pound) may be prohibited.
- Some codes carve out exceptions for buildings with automatic sprinkler systems on the deck or balcony.
Always check your local fire code. Your city or county fire marshal’s website is the best starting point. Regulations can differ by municipality and are updated over time.
5 Safety Tips for Grilling in Your Apartment
Check your lease
Even if your local fire code permits certain types of grilling, your property manager may not. Property managers have the authority to set stricter rules based on the building’s architecture, insurance requirement, or their own risk assessment. Before you cook, review your lease and any community guidelines. When in doubt, ask your property directly. A quick conversation now is much easier than dealing with a lease violation (or a fire) later.
Get an electric grill
If open-flame grilling is restricted where you live, an electric grill is typically your best option. Most fire codes that ban charcoal and gas grills have no restrictions on electric models. While you won’t get the same smoky flavor, a good electric grill can still deliver a solid sear. As a bonus, many electric grills are compact enough to use indoors on a rainy day.
Know how to use your equipment
Before cooking, take the time to understand your equipment properly. Here are a few key reminders:
- Electric grills: Plug into a grounded outlet and keep cords out of walkways to prevent tripping or tipping.
- Gas grills: Always verify the propane tank is properly connected before igniting, and turn off the gas completely when you’re done.
- Charcoal grills: Stack coals into a pyramid before adding lighter fluid, wait about a minute, then light. Use roughly ¼ cup of lighter fluid per pound of charcoal, and never add fluid to an already-lit grills.
- All grills: Clean grates after each use to prevent grease buildup, which is a common ignition source.
Never leave a grill unattended
This is the cardinal rule of grilling, full stop. A brief gust of wind can scatter ash from a charcoal grill onto nearby furniture or the deck itself. An electric grill that gets knocked over or suffers a mechanical failure can also pose a risk. If you need to step away, even for a minute, designate someone else to keep an eye on things.
Make sure you keep a fire extinguisher nearby and easily accessible in case of emergency. If your grill catches fire, you need to act fast before the fire spreads.
Use community grills
Most apartment communities that restrict balcony grilling will provide a communal grilling area instead. These are usually located in open common spaces at a safe distance from buildings, like courtyards, pool areas, or dedicated barbecue stations. It’s less convenient than stepping right outside your door, but it’s safer and often more social.
Just be a good neighbor by cleaning up after yourself and make sure charcoal is fully extinguished before you leave.
Outdoor cooking is one of the great pleasures of warmer weather, and it’s completely achievable in an apartment with the right setup. Do your homework on the rules that apply to your specific building and location, invest in the right equipment, and always grill with safety in mind.
This article was originally published on March 24, 2015, by the Apartments.com Team.
