Outdoor Cooking in Detroit, MI (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Detroit, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Detroit requires outdoor cooking units, grills, barbecues, smokers, ovens not attached to a building, to sit in the rear or side yard, at least 10 feet from structures or the property line, and never under a roof or enclosure.
Detroit Outdoor Grill Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 18-1-83
The operation of an outdoor cooking unit in a location that is: a. Within the rear yard or the side yard of private property and not within ten feet of any fixed flammable object or property line; b. Not directly beneath a roof or enclosure; and c. Under direct supervision of the property owner, lessee, or owner of the unit.
Smoker Rules
Detroit lets you run a smoker, grill, or barbecue in your own rear or side yard without a permit, as long as it stays clear of structures and stays supervised.
Detroit Backyard Smoker and Grill Rules
Light RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 18-1-83(b)(2)
(b)The following forms of open burning are permitted in the City to the extent that such burning does not cause a nuisance:(1)Campfires using clean wood on private property owned or leased by the person directly supervising the campfire and not within ten feet of any fixed flammable object or property line; and(2)The operation of an outdoor cooking unit in a location that is:a.Within the rear y...
Looking for Wayne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Detroit city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Wayne County →