Salt Lake City's Outdoor Cooking: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor cooking a little differently. In Salt Lake City, Utah, there are 3 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.

Smoker Rules

Wood- and charcoal-fueled smokers fall under IFC 308.1.4 (open-flame cooking devices): not permitted on combustible balconies or within 10 ft of combustible construction except in sprinklered buildings or at one- and two-family dwellings. Air-quality burn restrictions may apply during winter inversions.

Key details: Governing Code: IFC 308.1.4; Utah Code 15A-5; SLC Code Chapter 9.24. Multifamily Balcony: Wood/charcoal smokers prohibited within 10 ft of combustible construction. Single-Family Backyard: Permitted subject to nuisance rules. Air-Quality Days: Subject to Utah DAQ mandatory no-burn action orders. Pellet Smokers: Treated as solid-fuel; same IFC clearance rules apply.

Operating a wood or charcoal smoker on a multifamily balcony, within 10 ft of combustible construction, or during a mandatory no-burn action day can result in Fire Department citations under IFC 308.1.4 and air-quality penalties from the Utah Division of Air Quality. Nuisance smoke complaints can trigger extinguishment orders.

Outdoor Kitchen Permits

Outdoor kitchens in Salt Lake City are treated as accessory structures under SLC Code 21A.40 with associated trade permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical) administered by Building Services. Setback and yard-coverage limits apply.

Key details: Governing Code: SLC Code Chapter 21A.40; 21A.40.050; adopted IRC/IFC. Building Permit: Required for any roofed structure or attached covered kitchen. Trade Permits: Gas, electrical, plumbing each as utilities are added. Setbacks: Generally 1 ft from side/rear lot lines, 4 ft from principal building. Front Yard: Prohibited per SLC Code 21A.40.050.

Installing gas, plumbing, or electrical utilities for an outdoor kitchen without trade permits violates the adopted International Residential Code and SLC Building Services rules. Penalties include stop-work orders, double-fee permit retro-application, mandatory inspection access, and required removal of non-conforming work. Zoning violations (encroaching setbacks) can require relocation or demolition.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Salt Lake City adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308.1.4: charcoal grills, smokers, and open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions apply to one- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered buildings, and small LP-gas units (≤2½ lb container).

Key details: Governing Code: IFC 308.1.4 (2021); Utah Code 15A-5; SLC Code 9.24.140. Multifamily Balcony Rule: No charcoal/open-flame within 10 ft of combustible construction. Exception — Sprinkler: Allowed in fully sprinklered buildings/decks. Exception — Small LP: ≤2½ lb water capacity propane (1 lb nominal) permitted. Single/Two-Family: Exempt from balcony restriction.

Operating a non-compliant grill on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction violates IFC 308.1.4 and SLC fire code adoption. The Fire Department may order immediate extinguishment, issue a citation, and refer repeat or willful violations for civil or criminal enforcement. Landlords and HOAs may impose additional contractual penalties.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Salt Lake City's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.