Outdoor Cooking in Spokane, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Spokane or are thinking about moving there, outdoor cooking are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Spokane has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor cooking, and some of them might surprise you.

Smoker Rules

Spokane treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in SMC Chapter 17F.080. Multifamily balcony 10-ft setbacks apply. SRCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans prohibit wood and charcoal smokers during wildfire season. WAC 173-433 governs residential wood smoke.

Key details: Authority: SMC 17F.080 / IFC 308.1.4. Multifamily Setback: 10 ft from combustible construction. Stage 1 Burn Ban: Wood/charcoal smokers banned. Stage 2 Burn Ban: All combustion banned (gas only). Air Quality Authority: SRCAA / WAC 173-433.

Smoker-related violations are enforced as Fire Code violations under SMC Chapter 17F.080 with administrative penalties under SMC 1.05, or as SRCAA Class 1 civil infractions under RCW 70A.15.3160 with penalties up to $10,000 per day. Operating a wood or charcoal smoker during a declared SRCAA Stage 2 burn ban carries enhanced penalties. Persistent smoke nuisance can trigger SRCAA enforcement under Regulation 1.

Outdoor Kitchen Permits

Permanent outdoor kitchens in Spokane require building, plumbing, electrical, and/or gas permits under SMC Chapter 17F.040 (which adopts the International Residential Code and related codes) when they include utilities or covered structures. SMC Chapter 17C.110 zoning setbacks apply.

Key details: Code Chapter: SMC 17F.040; SMC 17C.110. Portable Grill: No permit needed. Gas Line: Plumbing permit + WA-licensed plumber. Electrical: L&I electrical permit required. Roofed Structure: Permit if over 200 sq ft.

Building a permanent outdoor kitchen without permits violates SMC Chapter 17F.040 (Construction Codes) and SMC Chapter 17C.110 (Residential Zones). Code Enforcement administrative penalties under SMC 1.05 typically start at $100-$250 per violation and escalate with continuing violations. Unpermitted gas lines pose fire and life-safety risks and may need to be removed and reinstalled.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Spokane adopts the International Fire Code under SMC Chapter 17F.080. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and condos. Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) burn bans address wildfire-season smoke concerns.

Key details: Authority: SMC 17F.080 / International Fire Code. Multifamily Balcony Setback: 10 ft from combustible construction. Max Propane Storage: 2 cylinders, ~5 gal each. Burn Ban Authority: SRCAA / WAC 173-433. Sprinkler Exception: Setback waived if sprinklered.

Violations of the Spokane Fire Code under IFC 109 carry administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day. Operating a propane grill on a multifamily balcony can result in fire-marshal correction notices and immediate equipment removal. Burning during an SRCAA burn ban is a Class 1 civil infraction under RCW 70A.15.3160 with penalties up to $10,000 per day for repeat violators.

The Bottom Line

Spokane'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 Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Spokane'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.