The Aurora Fire Department enforces the Illinois Fire Code and the International Fire Code Section 308 (Open Flame), which prohibit operating most propane and charcoal grills on combustible balconies and within 10 feet of combustible construction in multifamily occupancies. The only cooking devices allowed on unprotected balconies of multifamily buildings in Aurora are electric-only appliances and LP appliances that accept only 1-lb (2.5-lb water capacity) camping-size propane bottles. Single-family detached homes are exempt from the multifamily restriction.
Aurora is a home-rule city that adopts the International Fire Code by reference through Chapter 31 of the City Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 (Open-Flame Cooking Devices) prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from operating on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions apply to one- and two-family dwellings. Section 308.1.4.1 prohibits LP-gas burners with LP-gas containers having a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (approximately 1 lb. nominal propane weight, the standard camping cylinder) from being located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The Aurora Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau publishes guidance making clear that on multifamily balconies, decks, and patios, the only permitted devices are electric-only cooking appliances and LP appliances that accept only camping-size 1-lb cylinders. All other gas, propane, charcoal, wood, and pellet grills are prohibited in multifamily contexts. Single-family detached houses (and most one- and two-family dwellings under the IFC exception) may use standard propane grills with 20-lb tanks subject to ordinary clearance and safety practices. The Illinois Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act (430 ILCS 45/) and Office of the State Fire Marshal LP-gas rules (41 Ill. Adm. Code 200) govern storage and transport of LP cylinders. Prohibited devices need not be in use, and a fuel supply need not be present, to constitute a violation — the Aurora Fire Code official may cite the mere presence of a non-compliant device.
Operating a prohibited grill on a multifamily balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction: notice of violation from the Aurora Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau, administrative adjudication penalties under the City Code, and orders to remove the device. Property managers and homeowner associations are responsible for compliance and can be cited for permitting prohibited devices on their property. Persistent violations may be referred to the Kane, DuPage, Will, or Kendall County Circuit Court for injunctive relief. Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal can take separate enforcement action under 430 ILCS 45/ for unsafe LP-gas storage.
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