Clinton Township, MI Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Balcony grills
- Banned on multi-family balconies/open areas
- Building setback
- 10 ft from multi-family unit off balcony
- General setback
- 20 ft own lot, 50 ft neighboring lot
- Covered devices
- Gas, propane, charcoal or wood, U.L.-listed
- Minimum fine
- $100 civil infraction (Section 1621.99)
- Adopted
- Ordinance 429, March 13, 2017
Summary
Clinton Township lets residents grill with gas, propane, charcoal or wood barbecues, but not on a balcony or open area attached to a multi-family building, and not within ten feet of any multi-family unit's wall, ceiling, roof or overhang. The rule sits inside the Township's open-burning chapter, which otherwise bans outdoor fires.
“Barbeque” means a gas, propane, charcoal or wood burning device which is U.L. listed and contains a receptacle within which combustion occurs, as a functional cover that maybe used and is designed for purpose of food preparation. ... Barbeques, except barbeques situated upon balconies or other open areas attached to multiple dwelling units or otherwise within ten feet of any multiple dwelling unit, ceiling, roof, extension or protrusion from a multiple dwelling unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Local legislation current through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
listed, has a combustion receptacle, and is built for cooking food. 02(a) carves out barbeques as one of the few fires people may legally maintain, but only if they are kept off the balconies or other open areas attached to multiple dwelling units, per subsection (a)(1). Even a ground-level grill at an apartment or condominium complex must stay at least ten feet from any part of the building, including its ceiling, roof, or any extension or protrusion. 02(c) adds that a barbeque used outside a multi-family setting may not sit closer than twenty feet to a structure on its own lot or fifty feet to a structure on a neighboring lot.
A fire extinguisher or hose must be kept on hand wherever a permitted fire, including a barbeque, is burning, and the Township Fire Marshal can order a grill extinguished if smoke or odor becomes objectionable or conditions turn hazardous under subsection (b). The rules were adopted by Ordinance 429, passed March 13, 2017.
Violations & Fines
Violating the barbecue placement rules is a civil infraction under the chapter's penalty section, 1621.99, carrying a fine of at least $100, plus any other penalty available under the Township's general civil-infraction ordinance. The Fire Marshal can also order an improperly placed or hazardous grill extinguished on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane grill on my apartment balcony in Clinton Township?
How far from my condo building does my grill need to be?
What counts as a 'barbeque' under the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clinton Township
Compare Clinton Township to another location·View the Michigan outdoor cooking overview
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