How Simpsonville Handles Outdoor Cooking: A Practical Guide

Simpsonville maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with outdoor cooking. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Simpsonville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

BBQ & Propane Rules

In single-family homes you may use a charcoal or propane grill freely. But under the adopted International Fire Code, charcoal and open-flame grills cannot be used on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and multi-family buildings, except small LP-gas grills under limited conditions.

Key details: Single-family: Grilling generally allowed. Apartments: No grills on combustible balcony. Clearance: 10 feet from combustible construction. Small LP exception: Container up to 2.5 lb. Code: IFC Section 308.1.4.

Operating a prohibited grill on a combustible apartment balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction violates the adopted International Fire Code and may draw a fire-marshal citation.

Smoker Rules

A backyard smoker is treated as an open-flame cooking device. At single-family homes it is generally allowed, but under the adopted International Fire Code, open-flame cooking devices cannot be used on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and multi-family buildings. Excessive smoke can also become

Key details: Classification: Open-flame cooking device. Single-family: Generally allowed in yard. Apartments: Not on combustible balcony. Clearance: 10 feet from combustible construction. Heavy smoke: Possible nuisance issue.

Operating a smoker on a combustible apartment balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction violates the fire code; a persistent heavy-smoke nuisance may be enforced under city nuisance rules.

The Bottom Line

Simpsonville'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 Simpsonville is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Simpsonville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.