BBQ & Propane Rules: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood
How do bbq & propane rules rules compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Kentwood, MI?
Grand Rapids and Kentwood have similar restriction levels.
Grand Rapids, MI
Kent County
Grand Rapids does not have a dedicated grill ordinance; backyard grills are regulated under the Michigan Fire Prevention Code (PA 207 of 1941, MCL 29.1 et seq.) and the 2015 International Fire Code as adopted with Michigan amendments (IFC Section 308). Detached single-family and two-family dwellings may use propane and charcoal grills in backyards without setback restrictions specific to grills. Multi-family buildings: charcoal and open-flame devices are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction; LP-gas containers larger than 1 pound are barred from combustible decks unless the building is fully sprinklered.
View full Grand Rapids rules →Kentwood, MI
Kent County
Under Michigan's adopted fire code, charcoal and open-flame grills may not be used on combustible apartment balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family homes and small 1-pound propane cylinders are exempt. Kent County sets no separate rule.
View full Kentwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Grand Rapids | Kentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | Chapter 14 (adopts MFPC + IFC 2015) | - |
| State Fire Code | PA 207 of 1941 (MCL 29.1+) | - |
| Single/Two-Family | No grill-specific setback | - |
| Multi-Family Balcony | Banned except sprinklered | - |
| LP-Gas on Combustible Deck | Max 1 lb container | - |
| Enforcement | Grand Rapids Fire Department | - |
| Governing code | - | MI IFC Section 308.1.4 |
| County rule | - | None — fire code applies |
| Balcony ban | - | Within 10 ft of combustibles |
| Home exemption | - | 1- and 2-family dwellings |
| Small-cylinder exemption | - | Nominal 1-lb LP-gas |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Grand Rapids FAQ
Can I use a propane grill in my Grand Rapids backyard?
Yes, at a detached single-family or two-family home, without a grill-specific structural setback in the local code. The Michigan Fire Prevention Code and IFC 2015 Section 308.1.4 restrictions on combustible balconies do not apply to one- and two-family dwellings. Best practice: keep the grill clear of overhanging eaves, fences, and combustible siding; store spare propane tanks outdoors, upright, with the valve closed; and avoid smoke that drifts persistently into a neighbor's open windows (nuisance risk).
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Grand Rapids?
Generally no. IFC 2015 Section 308.1.4 (adopted via Chapter 14 and the Michigan Fire Prevention Code) prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings. LP-gas containers larger than 1 pound (standard 20-pound BBQ tanks) are barred from such balconies. Exceptions apply only where the building is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. Most Grand Rapids apartment leases also independently prohibit balcony grilling.
Kentwood FAQ
Can I grill on my apartment balcony?
Usually no. The fire code bans charcoal and open-flame grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction unless the building is sprinklered or you use a tiny 1-pound propane device.
Does this apply to my single-family home?
No. One- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the balcony grill restriction, so backyard grilling at a house is unaffected.
Compare other topics
See how Grand Rapids and Kentwood 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