Burlington's Outdoor Cooking: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor cooking a little differently. In Burlington, Wisconsin, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Outside one- and two-family homes, Burlington bans kindling any hibachi, gas grill, charcoal grill or similar cooking device on a balcony or under an overhang. Ground-level grilling is allowed only if the grill sits at least seven feet from any structure, the flame stays under a foot high, and smoke does not become a nuisance to neighbors or public roads.

Key details: Balcony/overhang grilling: banned (other than 1-2 family homes). Ground-level clearance required: 7 feet from structure. Flame height limit: 1 foot over fuel. Curfew: no use midnight to sunrise. Indoor ignition: prohibited for gas/charcoal devices.

Kindling a grill on a balcony or under an overhang at other than a one- or two-family dwelling, igniting one indoors, exceeding the one-foot flame limit, or grilling between midnight and sunrise violates § 155-41B and is enforceable under the chapter's citation authority, § 155-54. Penalties follow § 155-55A, with each continuing 24-hour period counted as a separate offense; persistent nuisance smoke can also trigger a required extinguishment.

Smoker Rules

Beyond the grill and fire-pit placement rules, Burlington's Fire Prevention chapter caps every outdoor cooking device, including a smoker, to a one-foot flame height over the fuel and bars using any of them between midnight and the following sunrise. Devices covered include hibachis, gas or charcoal grills and similar cooking or heating appliances.

Key details: Devices covered: grills, hibachis, smokers, similar cookers. Curfew: banned midnight to following sunrise. Flame height cap: 1 foot over source fuel. Indoor use: prohibited for gas/charcoal smokers. Electric units: exempt from flame/curfew limits.

Running an outdoor cooking device, including a smoker, between midnight and sunrise, or letting its flame exceed one foot over the source fuel, violates § 155-41B(3) and (4) and is enforceable under the chapter's citation authority, § 155-54. Penalties follow § 155-55A, with each continuing 24-hour period counted as a separate offense; nuisance smoke reaching neighbors or a public road is separately actionable.

The Bottom Line

Burlington's outdoor cooking rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Burlington is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Burlington's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.