Outdoor Cooking in Des Moines, IA (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Des Moines bars charcoal and open-flame grills on balconies or within 20 feet of combustible construction, but exempts one- and two-family homes and small propane grills using a 20-pound tank or smaller.
Des Moines Balcony BBQ and Propane Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 46-66
4104.2 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners, other open-flame cooking devices, and other devices that produce ashes or embers shall not be operated on balconies or within 20 feet (6096 mm) of combustible construction. Location of LP containers shall comply with section 6104. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings, constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code. ...
Smoker Rules
Charcoal burners, grills and other open-flame cookers can't run on balconies or within 20 feet of combustible construction under the Des Moines fire code, unless they're at a one- or two-family home.
Des Moines Open-Flame Cooking Device Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 46-66
Charcoal burners, other open-flame cooking devices, and other devices that produce ashes or embers shall not be operated on balconies or within 20 feet (6096 mm) of combustible construction. Location of LP containers shall comply with section 6104. Exceptions: 1.One- and two-family dwellings, constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code.2.LP-gas cooking devices having LP-ga...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Polk County →