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Outdoor Cooking in Washoe County, NV (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada.

Verified from official government sources

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

BBQ & Propane Rules

Under TMFPD's fire code, charcoal and open-flame cooking devices cannot be used on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Small LP-gas grills (container water capacity 2.5 lbs or less) and one- and two-family homes are exempt.

BBQ and Propane Grill Rules on Balconies

Some Restrictions

IFC 308.1.4 (adopted by TMFPD)

Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Smoker Rules

Backyard smokers and barbecue grills are exempt from the recreational-fire size rule, but the same 10-foot combustible-construction clearance for open-flame cooking devices applies, and during TMFPD fire restrictions only propane, electric, and pellet units may be used.

Backyard Smokers and Barbecue Pits

Some Restrictions

IFC 307.4.2 (adopted by TMFPD)

A recreational fire is an outdoor fire where materials other than rubbish are being burned and it is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit or fire ring.

All Washoe County ordinances

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