Boise, ID Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Boise's fire code is administered through Boise City Code Title 9 by the Boise Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau under the Fire Marshal. The City adopts the International Fire Code (typically the 2018 edition with local amendments). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any structure containing 3 or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings; balconies served by an automatic sprinkler system (NFPA 13 or 13R); listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 pound. Boise's downtown apartment towers (8th & Main, The Owyhee, Trailhead) and dense multifamily developments in the West End and along the Boise River are subject to this rule. NFPA 58 (adopted via the fire code) governs LP-gas cylinder storage: cylinders larger than 1 pound must be stored outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area, at least 5 feet from building openings. At single-family homes, backyard grilling is unrestricted by city code in normal conditions. Wildfire season restrictions: the Boise National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho Department of Lands periodically issue Stage 1 (campfire restrictions) and Stage 2 (open-flame restrictions) fire orders during summer (typically June-October). Stage 2 restrictions can prohibit charcoal grills citywide; propane grills with shut-off valves are typically still allowed. The Boise Fire Department issues local fire-restriction announcements during high fire danger periods. Foothills Hillside Development Overlay properties face heightened scrutiny due to wildland-urban interface fire risk.