Outdoor Cooking in Howard County, MD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

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

BBQ & Propane Rules

Grills, gas-fired grills and hibachis may not be used on a balcony, under an overhang, or within 15 feet of any building or structure. Only electric grills that use no alternative fuel may be approved for balcony use in Howard County.

BBQ grill and propane rules in Howard County

Some Restrictions

Howard County Fire Prevention Code Title 17 §104; County Code Title 12 §108

Grills, hibachis, gas-fired grills, chimineas, luminaries, fire pits, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or other purposes shall not be used or kindled on a balcony, under an overhanging portion of a building or structure, or within 15 feet of a building or structure.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoker Rules

Smokers are treated as cooking devices under Howard County fire code. Kept at 3 feet or under, a smoker must stay 15 feet from any building and off balconies. A larger cooker over 3 feet used only for cooking must be at least 15 feet from any structure.

Backyard smoker rules in Howard County, Maryland

Some Restrictions

Howard County Fire Prevention Code Title 17 §104; County Code Title 12 §108

Grills over 3' used exclusively for cooking are only required to be 15' from any structure. Communications does not have to be notified.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Howard County ordinances

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