2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
The Ohio Fire Code bans charcoal and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family homes are exempt, and small 1-pound LP-gas grills are allowed.
OAC 1301:7-7-03, 308.1.4
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Backyard smokers count as open-flame cooking under the Ohio Fire Code. On combustible apartment balconies they fall under the same 10-foot ban as grills; at one- and two-family homes they are allowed with common-sense fire safety.
OAC 1301:7-7-03, 305.2
Hot ashes, cinders, smoldering coals or greasy or oily materials subject to spontaneous ignition shall not be deposited in a combustible receptacle, within 10 feet (3048 mm) of other combustible material including combustible walls and partitions or within 2 feet (610 mm) of openings to buildings.
1 cities in Hamilton County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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