Fitchburg's Outdoor Cooking: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor cooking a little differently. In Fitchburg, 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

Fitchburg City Code § 70-57(d)(1) bars using a charcoal, pellet or LP gas grill on a balcony, porch or wood deck, unless the building is a single-family or two-family dwelling with no unit stacked directly above another. For other rentals, § 70-57(d)(5) forces landlords to add a signed lease addendum prohibiting balcony or within-ten-foot grill use.

Key details: Citation: Fitchburg City Code § 70-57(d)(1), (d)(5). Balcony/porch/deck grilling: Prohibited. Exception: Single/two-family, units not stacked. Landlord duty: Signed lease addendum required. Forfeiture: $0.00-$50.00 (Sec. 70-309).

A balcony, porch or deck grilling violation under § 70-57(d)(1), or a landlord's failure to include the required lease addendum under (d)(5), falls under the "Fires and trash burning regulated" listing on the Sec. 70-309 forfeiture schedule: $0.00 to $50.00 plus court costs, enforced by the Fitchburg Fire Department.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fitchburg's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Smoker Rules

Fitchburg City Code § 70-57(d) allows charcoal, pellet, solid-fuel and LP gas-fueled outdoor cooking devices but requires them to sit at least ten feet from any building or lot line, cool completely before storage, and be used per the manufacturer's safety instructions. The Fitchburg Fire Department enforces the rule, which carries a forfeiture up to $50.00 for the fire-and-burning division that houses it.

Key details: Citation: Fitchburg City Code § 70-57(d). Clearance: 10 feet from building or lot line. Storage rule: Device must be cool to the touch. Maintenance: Per manufacturer's safety requirements. Forfeiture: $0.00-$50.00 (Sec. 70-309).

A § 70-57 violation, including placing a grill or smoker within ten feet of a structure or lot line or storing one before it has cooled, is listed as "Fires and trash burning regulated" on the Sec. 70-309 forfeiture schedule, carrying a forfeiture of $0.00 to $50.00 plus court costs, enforced by the Fitchburg Fire Department.

The Bottom Line

Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is broadly strict or permissive.

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