Bellevue allows propane and gas barbecues at single-family homes following manufacturer separation distances from structures. On occupied roofs of multi-family Group R-2 buildings, BCC 23.11 (adopting the International Fire Code) limits portable LPG containers to a maximum 16.4 ounces (1 lb) per cylinder. Open burning is prohibited at all times citywide.
Bellevue City Code Title 23 adopts the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A, IFC 2021) with local amendments at BCC 23.11. BCC 23.11.307 amends IFC Section 307 (open burning, recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces) to prohibit open burning citywide. IFC Section 308 governs open-flame cooking devices: charcoal grills, hibachis, and LPG/propane appliances must not be operated within 10 feet of combustible construction on or near balconies of Group R-2 (apartments/condos) buildings. On occupied roofs of R-2 buildings the maximum LPG cylinder size is 16.4 oz (1 lb). Single-family use is largely unrestricted as long as manufacturer separation distances are followed; the Bellevue Fire Department recommends grilling on a non-combustible surface and never inside garages or under combustible overhangs. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) may issue Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans during air-quality episodes; propane and natural gas appliances are exempt from PSCAA bans because they are clean fuels. Storage of LPG cylinders at residences is limited to 25 lbs aggregate water-capacity outside a building (IFC 6109).
Operating a non-compliant grill on an R-2 balcony or roof is a fire code violation under BCC 23.11 with civil penalties up to $500 per day and possible appliance impoundment. Open burning violates BCC 23.11.307 and may also trigger PSCAA enforcement. Fire damage caused by improper grilling can result in cost-recovery billing from Bellevue Fire.
Bellevue, WA
Outdoor music must comply with BCC 9.18 limits. Special events with amplified sound require a noise variance from the City Clerk and typically must end by 10...
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. Bellevue sits in the Sea-Tac contour near Renton Municipal Airport. Complaints go to Port of Seattle Aviati...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue enforces RCW 46.55 and BCC 11.23 against vehicles left on streets more than 72 hours or stored inoperable on private property, with impoundment and ...
Bellevue, WA
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. LUC 20.20.400 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. Get a survey ...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones; chain link is allowed but discouraged in front yards by design guid...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle bbq & propane rules.
See how Bellevue's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.