BBQ & Propane Rules: Edmonds vs Everett
How do bbq & propane rules rules compare between Edmonds, WA and Everett, WA?
Edmonds and Everett have similar restriction levels.
Edmonds, WA
Snohomish County
Charcoal barbecues and cooking fires are allowed on private property in unincorporated Snohomish County as recreational fires. Propane and gas grills are ordinary cooking appliances. Cooking fires must stay small, use only charcoal or clean firewood, be attended, and are still restricted during air-quality burn bans.
View full Edmonds rules →Everett, WA
Snohomish County
Everett adopts the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A, IFC) through EMC Title 13 (Fire Code). Single-family propane and charcoal grills follow manufacturer setbacks. On Group R-2 multi-family balconies, IFC Section 308 prohibits open-flame cooking within 10 feet of combustibles, and roofs allow only 1-lb (16.4 oz) LPG cylinders. Open burning is prohibited in city limits, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) burn bans add seasonal restrictions.
View full Everett rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edmonds | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal BBQ | Allowed as cooking fire | - |
| Propane/gas grill | Appliance under IFC | - |
| Size limit | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height | - |
| Fuel | Charcoal, dried firewood, firelogs | - |
| Air-quality ban | Charcoal/wood cooking prohibited | - |
| Code Authority | - | EMC Title 13 / WAC 51-54A |
| Single-Family | - | Manufacturer setbacks |
| R-2 Balcony | - | 10 ft from combustibles |
| R-2 Roof LPG Limit | - | 16.4 oz (1 lb) max |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited citywide |
| PSCAA Bans | - | Propane/gas exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edmonds FAQ
Can I use my charcoal grill during a burn ban?
During a Stage 1 fire-safety ban, cooking and recreational fires including charcoal barbecues are still allowed. During an air-quality burn ban, charcoal and wood cooking fires are prohibited; gas grills generally are not affected.
Do I need a permit to barbecue?
No. A charcoal cooking fire under three feet across and two feet high is a recreational fire and needs no permit. Propane and gas grills are appliances, not regulated open burning.
Everett FAQ
Can I use a propane BBQ on my Everett apartment balcony?
Only if you can stay at least 10 feet from combustible construction (IFC Section 308 as adopted in EMC Title 13), which most balconies cannot satisfy. On occupied roofs of R-2 apartments, only 1-pound (16.4 oz) cylinders are allowed. Larger 20-pound tanks are not permitted in those settings.
Does a PSCAA burn ban stop me from grilling in Everett?
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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