BBQ & Propane Rules: Kent vs Seattle
How do bbq & propane rules rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings (3+ units) when within 10 feet of combustible construction. Electric grills are exempt. Single-family backyards have no city restrictions beyond fire-safety setbacks from buildings.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | KCC Title 13 / WAC 51-54A | - |
| Fire Department | Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority | - |
| Single-Family | Manufacturer setbacks | - |
| R-2 Balcony | 10 ft from combustibles | - |
| R-2 Roof LPG Limit | 16.4 oz (1 lb) max | - |
| PSCAA Burn Ban | Propane/gas exempt | - |
| Code Section | - | SFC 308.1.4 |
| Multi-Family Ban | - | 3+ unit buildings |
| Distance Rule | - | 10 ft from combustible |
| LP-Gas Indoor Limit | - | 1 lb cylinder |
| Sprinkler Exception | - | Yes (auto sprinkler) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Seattle FAQ
Can I grill on my Seattle apartment balcony?
Only an electric grill, in most cases. SFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal, propane, and other open-flame devices on balconies of 3+ unit buildings within 10 feet of combustible construction unless the balcony has automatic sprinklers.
How big a propane tank can I store at home in Seattle?
Outdoors, up to 100 lb water capacity (a standard 20 lb BBQ tank fits easily) located at least 5 feet from doors, windows, and openings into combustible buildings per SFC 6109.6. Indoors, only 1 lb non-refillable cylinders.
Are charcoal grills allowed in single-family yards?
Yes. SFC 308.1.4 does not apply to single-family or duplex homes. You must keep open burning at least 15 feet from any building (SFC 307.4) and check for burn bans called by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
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