Outdoor Cooking in Harris County, TX (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

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

BBQ & Propane Rules

In unincorporated Harris County, Section 308.1.4.1 of the Fire Code bans charcoal burners, LP-gas cooking appliances and any other open-flame cooking device in new or existing Group R-2 apartment buildings and multi-tenant housing, including on the balcony or patio or within 10 feet of the building. Gas or fuel-fired heaters and any carbon-monoxide-producing device are barred the same way.

Harris County Propane Grill Balcony Ban

Significant Restrictions

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 38, Sec 308.1.4.1

308.1.4.1 New and existing apartments and multi-tenant housing. Charcoal burners, LP-gas cooking appliances, open flame cooking devices, gas or fuel fired heaters or any other carbon monoxide producing devices shall not be stored or used in a new or existing Group R2 apartment buildings or multi-tenant housing, including the balcony, patio or within 10 feet of these occupancies.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Cooking by City in Harris County

1 cities in Harris County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BaytownPop. 83,701

1 verified rule • Smoker Rules

All Harris County ordinances

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