Outdoor Cooking in Bernalillo County, NM (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Bernalillo County's fire code amendment excludes propane, natural gas and white-gas outdoor grills from the definition of regulated open burning, so residents of the unincorporated county can run a gas grill on a patio or balcony without an open-burning permit. Wood and charcoal devices are not covered by the exemption and stay subject to the county's burn-pile limits.

Bernalillo County Propane Grill Fire Code Rule

Light Restrictions

Bernalillo County Code § 34-76 (International Fire Code, Ch. 2, Definitions, "Open Burning," as amended)

OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Open burning does not include smudge pots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames, outdoor grills utilizing propane, natural gas, white gas or similar. For the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoker Rules

In Bernalillo County's designated Wildland-Urban Interface areas, from the Sandia foothills to the East Mountains, any smoker, grill or other device that produces heat, sparks or open flame needs a Fire Code Official permit unless it sits at least 30 feet from grass, brush or forest. Chimneys serving those devices must also carry a spark arrester.

Bernalillo County WUI Open-Flame Cooking Permit

Significant Restrictions

Bernalillo County Code § 34-76 (Fire Code, Wildland-Urban Interface Code, App. M, § M115.3)

M115.3 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames capable of igniting nearby combustibles shall not be used in Wildland-urban interface areas without a permit from the Fire Code Official. Exception: Use of approved equipment on inhabited premises that are separated by a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Bernalillo County ordinances

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