Outdoor Cooking in Tucson, AZ (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Tucson, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Smoker Rules
Tucson Code § 11-8 exempts homestyle broilers, barbecue pits, grills, and similar cooking devices from the open-burning permit that § 11-6 otherwise requires for any fire or burning device operated outside a building: routine backyard smoking and grilling needs no city fire permit.
Tucson Exempts Grills From Burn Permits
Few RestrictionsTucson Code § 11-8
Sec. 11-8. Same--Permit not required for cooking devices. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no permit shall be required for the use and operation of homestyle broilers, barbecue pits, grills, or other similar cooking devices.
Outdoor Kitchen Permits
Tucson's fire code exempts homestyle broilers, barbecue pits, grills and similar cooking devices from the open-burning permit that covers other outdoor fires. You can cook outdoors without applying to the fire department, while bonfires and incinerators still need one.
Tucson Backyard Grills Need No Burn Permit
Few RestrictionsTucson Code § 11-8
Sec. 11-8. Same--Permit not required for cooking devices. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no permit shall be required for the use and operation of homestyle broilers, barbecue pits, grills, or other similar cooking devices. (1953 Code, ch. 18, § 37a)
Looking for Pima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tucson city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Pima County →