BBQ & Propane Rules: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do bbq & propane rules rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under Arlington City Code Chapter 11. IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. Single-family backyard grilling is unrestricted. Tarrant County burn bans during drought target open burning of vegetation, not commercial grills.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth enforces the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted in City Code Chapter 10. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments, condos, and townhomes. Single-family homes are exempt. Propane storage is limited to 2 cylinders.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Code Adopted | 2018 IFC § 308 via Ch. 11 | - |
| Multi-Family Balcony | Prohibited within 10 ft of combustible | - |
| Single-Family | No city restriction | No setback required |
| Burn Ban Grilling | Commercial grills exempt | - |
| LP-Gas Limit | > 1 lb banned on balconies | - |
| Authority | - | City Code Ch. 10 / IFC 308.1.4 |
| Multifamily Balcony Setback | - | 10 ft from combustible construction |
| Max Propane Storage | - | 2 cylinders, 5 gal each (IFC 6109.13) |
| Sprinkler Exception | - | Setback waived if sprinklered |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I use a propane grill on my apartment balcony in Arlington?
Generally no. Arlington adopts IFC § 308.1.4 under City Code Chapter 11, which prohibits open-flame devices and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings unless fully sprinklered.
Can I grill in my backyard during a Tarrant County burn ban?
Yes. Tarrant County burn bans target open burning of vegetation, brush, and trash. Commercially manufactured grills used for food preparation remain permitted, though caution is advised during extreme fire weather. Texas LGC § 352.081 governs the ban scope.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I use a propane grill on my Fort Worth apartment balcony?
Generally no. International Fire Code Section 308.1.4, adopted under Fort Worth City Code Chapter 10, prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies of apartments, condos, and townhomes, or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Sprinklered buildings may permit grills under the IFC exception.
How much propane can I keep at my Fort Worth house?
Up to 2 cylinders of 5 gallons (about 20 lbs) each under IFC 6109.13. Cylinders must be stored upright outside the dwelling in a well-ventilated area - not in basements, below grade, or on flat roofs. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 753 also applies.
Can Fort Worth ban BBQs during a burn ban?
Yes. During Tarrant County Commissioners Court burn bans or wildfire weather watches, the Fort Worth Fire Marshal may issue temporary outdoor cooking restrictions. Violations during a declared ban can be charged as a Class C misdemeanor under Tex. Loc. Gov. Code 54.001.
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