Outdoor Cooking in St. Louis, MO (2026)
3 verified outdoor cooking rules for St. Louis, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
St. Louis adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under SLRC Title 25. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is unrestricted. Open burning of trash and yard waste is prohibited under SLRC Ch. 11.66.
St. Louis BBQ and Propane Grill Rules (IFC §308 via SLRC Title 25)
Some RestrictionsSmoker Rules
St. Louis has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family properties. Operation is governed by IFC §308 clearance rules (SLRC Title 25), the open-burning ban (SLRC Ch. 11.66, with cooking exempt), and AMC-style nuisance provisions if smoke crosses property lines. Multi-family balcony use is restricted by IFC §308.1.4.
St. Louis Smoker and Pellet Grill Rules
Few RestrictionsOutdoor Kitchen Permits
Built-in outdoor kitchens in St. Louis require permits through the Building Division: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural-gas connections, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit for sinks. Structures must comply with SLRC Title 26 (Zoning) accessory-structure setbacks. Properties in Local Historic Districts require Preservation Board review through the Cultural Resources Office.