Outdoor Cooking in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Charcoal and LP gas grills must sit at least 15 feet from combustible construction in Milwaukee, unless the property is a one- or two-family home, which is exempt from the rule entirely.
Milwaukee Grill Setback: 15 Feet From Buildings
Significant RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 214-9-1-b (Volume 2 — Building and Zoning Code)
A burner shall not be operated within 15 feet of any combustible construction. Open flame cooking devices, including charcoal burners and LP gas burners, are exempt from this requirement for one and 2-family dwellings.
Smoker Rules
Milwaukee exempts charcoal and propane grills and smokers on one- and two-family properties from the 15-foot open-burning setback, though unenclosed burners elsewhere in the city must still sit at least 15 feet from anything combustible.
Milwaukee Outdoor Cooking Fire Rules
Light RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 214-9
CONTAINERS FOR OPEN BURNING. Open burning shall be conducted only in an approved and listed container or a substantial burner built of metal, concrete or brick, well covered or screened to prevent the escape of sparking and burning embers. A burner shall not be operated within 15 feet of any combustible construction. Open flame cooking devices, including charcoal burners and LP gas burners, are...
Looking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Milwaukee County →