Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Dakota County

Dakota County, MN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Multi-family (3+ units)
No open flame within 15 ft
Balconies
Grilling prohibited
Single-family
No setback rule
Propane tank
Store outdoors, 10 ft from openings
Apartment exception
Electric/gas grill by city permit

Summary

The Minnesota State Fire Code bans open-flame grilling on balconies and within 15 feet of buildings with three or more units. Detached single-family homes may grill freely, but propane tanks over 1 pound must be stored outdoors. Cities set apartment-grill exceptions.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Dakota County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level or any ground floor patio within 15 feet of a structure.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Minnesota State Fire Code, 'in any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level or any ground floor patio within 15 feet of a structure.' Some Dakota County cities (Hastings, Burnsville, Woodbury) allow listed electric or natural-gas grills at apartments with an exception permit. Charcoal and propane grills are generally banned near multi-family buildings. Detached single-family homeowners face no such setback but must store 20-pound propane tanks outdoors, at least 10 feet from doors, windows, and air intakes. Dakota County itself adds no grilling ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Grilling in a prohibited multi-family location is a fire-code violation; inspectors can order removal of the grill and cylinder and issue citations to residents or the property owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Dakota County?
Generally no. In buildings with three or more units, open-flame grills are banned on balconies and within 15 feet of the structure, though some cities permit listed electric or natural-gas grills.
Are there grilling rules for a single-family home?
There is no balcony or setback rule for detached homes, but you must store propane tanks over 1 pound outdoors, at least 10 feet from doors, windows, and fresh-air intakes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dakota County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsSmoker RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions

All Dakota County rules

Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota outdoor cooking overview

Get notified when BBQ & Propane Rules in Dakota County, MN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.