Outdoor Cooking in Lorain County, OH (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Lorain County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Single-family and two-family homes can grill freely. But under the Ohio Fire Code (Sec. 308), charcoal and LP-gas grills may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings: a rule that affects apartments and condos in Lorain and Elyria.
BBQ and Propane Grill Rules in Lorain County, Ohio
Some RestrictionsOAC 1301:7-7-03, Sec. 308.1.4 Exception 4
Where approved by the fire code official, charcoal burners are allowed to be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction where all of the following conditions are met: 4.1 The charcoal burners are attended by an adult at all times when in operation... 4.3 All non-structural combustible material must be removed.
Smoker Rules
Backyard smokers are legal for cooking and are exempt from Ohio's open-burning ban when used to prepare food with clean fuel. At apartments and condos, though, the Ohio Fire Code's open-flame device rules keep charcoal and gas smokers off combustible balconies and within 10 feet of the building.
Backyard Smoker Rules in Lorain County, Ohio
Some RestrictionsOAC 3745-19-03
Bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment, whether for cooking food for human consumption... shall not be used for waste disposal purposes and shall have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.
All Lorain County ordinances
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