Outdoor Cooking in Allegheny County, PA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Allegheny County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Smoker Rules
Allegheny County restricts backyard smokers, grills, and outdoor fireplaces to clean wood, propane, natural gas, charcoal, and a few approved fire-starting materials.
Allegheny County Outdoor Cooking Fuel Rules
Some RestrictionsAllegheny County Code § 505-48.A(1)(a)[1]
No material other than clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be burned except as provided for in this subsection. Charcoal may be used in an outdoor fireplace or grill for the purpose of cooking. Commercially available fire logs, paraffin logs, or wood pellets may be used in outdoor fireplaces. Paper or commercial smokeless fire starters may be used with clean wood to start an allowed fire.
Outdoor Kitchen Permits
Allegheny County exempts outdoor cooking fires from its open burning permit requirement, as long as the fire uses approved fuel and follows the size and setback rules for recreational fires.
Allegheny County Outdoor Cooking Permit Rule
Few RestrictionsAllegheny County Code § 505-48.A(1)(a)
No person shall conduct, or allow to be conducted, the open burning of any material, except where the Department has issued an open burning permit to such person in accordance with this section or where the open burning is conducted solely for the purpose of preparation of food for human consumption, recreation, light, or ornament, and in a manner which contributes a negligible amount of air co...
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