Outdoor Cooking in Tempe, AZ (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Tempe's Fire Code bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, including propane grills, on balconies or within 10 feet of any structure. The rule targets apartments and condos with shared walls and combustible exteriors; one- and two-family houses are exempt, so a single-family backyard grill is unaffected.
Tempe Balcony BBQ and Grill Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 14-41 (2024 International Fire Code § 308.5)
308.5 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any structure. Exceptions: 1.One- and two-family dwellings.
Smoker Rules
Tempe's Fire Code bans operating charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies or within 10 feet of any structure, under Fire Code Section 308.5 of City Code Chapter 14. The rule targets multi-family buildings; one- and two-family dwellings are fully exempt, so a house with a yard can run a charcoal smoker against the exterior wall. The Fire Medical Rescue Department enforces it.
Tempe Open-Flame Cooking and Charcoal Grill Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code Ch. 14, Fire Code § 308.5
Section 308.5 is hereby added as follows: 308.5 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any structure. Exceptions: 1.One- and two-family dwellings.
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Maricopa County →