Smoker Rules: Bellevue vs Kent
How do smoker rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows residential smokers (pellet, electric, charcoal, wood) under the same rules as other open-flame cooking devices in IFC 308 as adopted by BCC 23.11. Wood and pellet smokers are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Stage 2 burn bans, which prohibit recreational solid-fuel burning during poor-air-quality episodes. Setbacks from combustible construction are required.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent allows residential smokers (pellet, electric, charcoal, wood) under the same fire-code rules as other open-flame cooking devices in IFC Section 308 as adopted by KCC Title 13. Wood and pellet smokers are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Stage 2 burn bans under WAC 173-433, which prohibit recreational solid-fuel burning during poor-air-quality episodes. Setbacks from combustible construction are required.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | BCC 23.11, IFC 308 | KCC Title 13, IFC 308 |
| R-2 Balcony Setback | 10 ft from combustibles | 10 ft from combustibles |
| Single-Family Setback | Per manufacturer (24-36 in) | Per manufacturer (24-36 in) |
| Stage 2 Burn Ban | No wood/pellet use | No wood/pellet use |
| Propane/Electric | Exempt from burn bans | Exempt from burn bans |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I use my wood smoker during a PSCAA burn ban?
No during a Stage 2 burn ban. PSCAA prohibits all outdoor solid-fuel burning during Stage 2, which includes wood and pellet smokers. Propane and electric smokers remain allowed. Check pscleanair.gov for current ban status before smoking.
Where can I place my smoker on my Bellevue property?
On a non-combustible surface and at least the manufacturer's recommended distance from walls and overhangs (commonly 24-36 inches). At apartments, the smoker must be at least 10 feet from combustible balcony construction under IFC 308 as adopted in BCC 23.11.
Kent FAQ
Can I use my wood smoker during a PSCAA burn ban?
Not during a Stage 2 burn ban. PSCAA prohibits all outdoor solid-fuel burning at Stage 2 under WAC 173-433, which includes wood and pellet smokers. Propane and electric smokers remain allowed at any stage. Check pscleanair.gov for current ban status before smoking.
Where can I place my smoker on my Kent property?
On a non-combustible surface and at least the manufacturer's recommended distance from walls and overhangs (commonly 24-36 inches). At apartments, the smoker must be at least 10 feet from combustible balcony construction under IFC Section 308 as adopted in KCC Title 13. Never use a smoker inside a garage or covered enclosure.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Kent compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool