Outdoor Cooking in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Sterling Heights bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, including propane and gas grills, from operating or being stored on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction under Fire Prevention Code § 308.1.11. One- and two-family homes are exempt, as are balconies and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system, so the rule targets multi-family apartment and condo buildings across the city.
Sterling Heights BBQ Propane Grill Balcony Rule
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Fire Prevention Code § 308.1.11 (Code of Ordinances Ch. 20, § 20-23)
Section 308.1.11 shall be added to read as follows: 308.1.11 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated or stored on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Smoker Rules
Commercially-built barbecues and smokers can run in Sterling Heights without a permit, as long as they burn only charcoal, LP-gas, pellets, or natural gas and stay attended.
Sterling Heights Outdoor Smoker Permit Exemption
Light RestrictionsSterling Heights Fire Prevention Code § 307.1.2 (Code of Ordinances Ch. 20, § 20-23)
307.1.2 Allowable open burning. The following types of open burning shall be allowed without prior notification to the fire code official and without a permit, and shall be constantly attended: A. Commercially-built barbecues and smokers, when cooking food for human consumption using only charcoal briquettes, LP-gas, pellets, or natural gas for fuel.
Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Macomb County →