Outdoor Cooking in Cook County, IL (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

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

Smoker Rules

Cook County's open burning ban exempts backyard smokers, grills, and campfires used for legitimate recreational or cooking purposes, so you don't need a permit: as long as the smoke doesn't rise to the level of air pollution.

Cook County Backyard Smoker & Grill Rules

Few Restrictions

Cook County Code § 30-385

(a) Prohibited. (1) No person shall cause or allow open burning except as provided in Subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this section. ... (b) Exceptions. The following activities are not in violation of this Section unless they cause air pollution. ... (4) The burning of fuels for legitimate campfire, recreational, and cooling purposes, or in domestic fireplaces, in such cases.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗