Berkeley, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Berkeley adopts the California Fire Code by reference under BMC Chapter 19.48 (Fire Code). CFC 308.1.4 prohibits the use of open-flame cooking devices, including propane grills, charcoal grills, and pellet smokers, on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and other Group R-2 occupancies. Exceptions allow LP-gas containers up to 1 pound, electric grills, and dwelling units protected by automatic fire sprinklers. Single-family R-3 detached homes are exempt from this 10-foot setback. CFC 6101 limits residential LP-gas storage to a total of 2 cylinders of 5 gallons (about 20 lbs) each for one-family and two-family dwellings; storage in basements, below grade, or on flat rooftops is prohibited (CFC 6109.13). Importantly, Berkeley's Fire Hazard Severity Zone covers much of the hills (BMC 19.48 hillside provisions implementing California Government Code 51178), and during Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches the Berkeley Fire Marshal may impose total bans on outdoor combustion cooking in these zones - including charcoal and wood smokers, but typically allowing propane. The hillside Fire Hazard Severity Zone is mapped in the Berkeley Wildfire Safety Plan. HOAs and condo associations commonly impose stricter rules under Davis-Stirling.