Smoker Rules: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do smoker rules rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale treats pellet, wood, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code Sec. 308.1.4 as adopted in the Scottsdale Revised Code. Smokers are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. One- and two-family homes are exempt. Sprinklered buildings have an exception. Maricopa County Rule 314 may affect outdoor burning on no-burn days.
View full Scottsdale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe has no specific city ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers or pellet grills. Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 314 declares PM-10 No Burn Days (typically December through February) that prohibit solid-fuel devices including wood-fired smokers and pellet grills; gas and propane are exempt. Tempe nuisance provisions could theoretically address persistent severe smoke but rarely apply to residential cooking. HOA rules are lighter than in surrounding cities but exist in The Lakes and Warner Ranch.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Scottsdale Revised Code / IFC Sec. 308.1.4 | - |
| Multi-Family Balcony | Smokers prohibited | - |
| Clearance | 10 ft from combustible construction | - |
| Sprinkler Exception | Yes | - |
| One/Two-Family | Exempt from balcony rule | - |
| Maricopa No-Burn Days | Cooking generally excepted | - |
| Tempe Ordinance | - | None on smokers |
| No Burn Days | - | Solid fuel prohibited (Rule 314) |
| Gas and Propane | - | Exempt from No Burn Days |
| Air Authority | - | Maricopa County AQD |
| HOA Statute | - | ARS 33-1819 (protects grills) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I use a wood smoker in my Scottsdale backyard?
Yes if you own a single- or two-family home. Operate the smoker on a noncombustible surface such as concrete or pavers, keeping it at least 10 feet away from wood fences, eaves, sheds, and dry desert vegetation as a safety best practice. No City permit is required for ordinary residential cooking.
Are pellet smokers allowed on Scottsdale apartment balconies?
Generally no. The International Fire Code Sec. 308.1.4 as adopted by Scottsdale prohibits all open-flame and solid-fuel cooking devices on combustible multi-family balconies. The sprinkler-system exception may apply in newer apartment buildings; check with property management before using.
Tempe FAQ
Can I use a backyard smoker in Tempe?
Yes for gas and propane smokers. Wood-fired smokers and pellet grills are prohibited on No Burn Days declared by Maricopa County Air Quality Department (typically winter months when air quality is poor). Check the daily forecast at maricopa.gov/aq before lighting solid fuel.
Does Tempe have time limits for smoker use?
No city time limits. State law ARS 33-1819 generally protects single-family outdoor cooking from outright HOA bans, but Tempe HOAs (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches) may impose reasonable time and operating restrictions through CC&Rs.
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