Aurora, CO Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Aurora City Code Chapter 66 adopts the 2021 IFC by reference. Section 308.1.4 controls open-flame cooking on or near combustible construction in apartments, condos, and similar Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies: no charcoal burner, gas grill, or other open-flame device may be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Three exceptions apply: (1) one- and two-family dwellings (R-3), so single-family backyard grilling is generally fine; (2) buildings or balconies protected by an automatic sprinkler system covering the balcony area; and (3) LP-gas devices with a container of no more than 2.5 lbs water capacity, which in practice means the small 1-pound camping cylinders. Aurora Fire Rescue's published guidance restates these exceptions. Beyond IFC 308.1.4, Aurora is always under at least a Stage 1 Burn Restriction (per the Fire Marshal), with the exception of June 15-July 4 for fireworks; Stage 1 does not restrict legal gas or charcoal grills used responsibly. Stage 2 restrictions, declared during high fire-danger periods, prohibit recreational fires, bonfires, and outdoor smoking in parks but typically allow gas grills. Storage of LP-gas cylinders on multifamily balconies is also constrained by IFC 6109.13 - cylinders over 1 lb may not be stored above the first floor.