Outdoor Cooking in San Antonio, TX (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
San Antonio's Fire Code bars barbecue pits, grills, and fuel-fired heaters in apartment and condo buildings whenever they create a fire hazard, and it specifically prohibits use within 10 feet of any combustible surface, including a deck, porch, or balcony, or underneath a balcony, roof overhang, or veranda.
San Antonio Bans Grills Near Balconies and Decks
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-40 (2024 International Fire Code Section 308.4.2, as amended)
308.4.2 Fire hazard prohibited. in Group R, Division 1 & 2 occupancies, a person shall not construct, erect, install, maintain or use any incinerator, barbecue pit or grill, or fuel fired lanterns, heaters, or torches or so burn any combustible material as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use or burning thereof or as to endanger the life or property of any person thereof. The use ...
Smoker Rules
San Antonio's Fire Code Section 4104.2 bans operating charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of a combustible surface. The rule exempts one- and two-family homes outright, while multifamily Group R buildings stay subject unless they meet the fire-hazard standard in Section 308.4.2.
San Antonio Charcoal Grill Balcony Distance Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-40 (2024 International Fire Code, Section 4104.2, as amended)
4104.2 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a combustible surface. Exceptions: 1.One-and two-family dwellings.2.Group R occupancies in compliance with the provisions, and meeting exceptions, of Section 308.4.2.
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Bexar County →