Outdoor Cooking in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
3 verified outdoor cooking rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Fort Worth bars charcoal and propane grills from combustible balconies and decks, and requires ten feet of clearance from combustible construction, under Fire Code § 308.1.4 as amended by City Code § 13-2. One- and two-family homes are exempt, as are sprinklered balconies and mini LP-gas grills using containers of 2.5 pounds water capacity or less.
Fort Worth Balcony Grill and Propane Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Worth City Code § 13-2 (amending IFC § 308.1.4)
Section 308.1.4 - Change to read as follows: 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Open-flame cooking devices, such as charcoal and propane grills and other similar devices used for cooking shall not be stored, located or used on combustible balconies, decks, or within ten (10) feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where buildings, balconies ...
Smoker Rules
Fort Worth's amended Fire Code bars charcoal and propane grills, and any other open-flame cooking device, from combustible balconies and decks, and from operating within 10 feet of combustible construction, under Section 308.1.4. One- and two-family homes, sprinkler-protected buildings, and small tabletop LP-gas devices are exempt.
Fort Worth Open-Flame Grill and Cooking Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Worth City Code § 13-2 (Fire Code Amendments), adopting IFC § 308.1.4, as amended
308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Open-flame cooking devices, such as charcoal and propane grills and other similar devices used for cooking shall not be stored, located or used on combustible balconies, decks, or within ten (10) feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprin...
Outdoor Kitchen Permits
Fort Worth zones a built-in outdoor kitchen as an accessory structure under Zoning Ordinance § 5.300, not as furniture you can place anywhere. It must sit outside the required front yard, stay within the accessory-structure size and height caps, and a construction or gas-hookup permit is required under Building Administrative Code § 105.1 before a contractor pours the slab or runs a gas line.
Fort Worth Outdoor Kitchen Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Worth Zoning Ordinance (Code Appendix A) § 5.300(a)
Accessory uses include permanently installed detached accessory structures such as porches supported by columns, greenhouses, garages (greater than a six foot door), guest houses, studios, carports, private workshops (six-foot door or less), play structures, swimming pools, pool houses, gazebos/cabanas/pergolas, boat docks, outdoor kitchen facilities, riding arena for the personal use of the re...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Tarrant County →