BBQ & Propane Rules: Bellevue vs Kent
How do bbq & propane rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows propane and gas barbecues at single-family homes following manufacturer separation distances from structures. On occupied roofs of multi-family Group R-2 buildings, BCC 23.11 (adopting the International Fire Code) limits portable LPG containers to a maximum 16.4 ounces (1 lb) per cylinder. Open burning is prohibited at all times citywide.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent adopts the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A) through KCC Title 13 (Fire Prevention), enforced by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA). Single-family propane and charcoal grills follow manufacturer setbacks. On Group R-2 multi-family balconies, IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking within 10 feet of combustibles; on R-2 roofs only 1-pound (16.4 oz) LPG cylinders are allowed. Open burning is prohibited citywide, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) burn bans add seasonal restrictions on solid fuel.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | BCC 23.11 / WA Fire Code | KCC Title 13 / WAC 51-54A |
| Single-Family | Manufacturer setbacks | Manufacturer setbacks |
| R-2 Balcony Setback | 10 ft from combustibles | - |
| R-2 Roof LPG Limit | 16.4 oz (1 lb) max | 16.4 oz (1 lb) max |
| Open Burning | Prohibited citywide | - |
| PSCAA Bans | Propane/gas exempt | - |
| Fire Department | - | Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority |
| R-2 Balcony | - | 10 ft from combustibles |
| PSCAA Burn Ban | - | Propane/gas exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I use a propane BBQ on my Bellevue apartment balcony?
Only if you are at least 10 feet from combustible construction (IFC 308), which most balconies do not satisfy. On occupied roofs of R-2 apartments, only 1-lb (16.4 oz) cylinders are allowed. Larger 20-lb tanks are not permitted in those settings under BCC 23.11.
Does the PSCAA burn ban stop me from grilling?
No. PSCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans target wood and solid-fuel burning. Propane and natural gas barbecues are exempt because they burn clean. Wood chunks in a smoker, however, are not exempt during a Stage 2 ban.
Kent FAQ
Can I use a propane BBQ on my Kent apartment balcony?
Only if you can maintain at least 10 feet from combustible construction (IFC Section 308.1.4 as adopted in KCC Title 13), which most balconies cannot satisfy. On occupied roofs of R-2 apartments, only 1-pound (16.4 oz) LPG cylinders are allowed. Larger 20-pound tanks are not permitted in those settings.
Does a PSCAA burn ban stop me from grilling in Kent?
No, not for propane or natural gas grills. PSCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans target solid-fuel wood and pellet burning. Propane and natural gas appliances are exempt because they burn clean. Charcoal and wood-pellet smokers, however, are restricted during a Stage 2 ban.
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