Detroit, MI Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum clearance
- 10 feet from structures or property line
- Placement
- Rear or side yard only
- Covered areas
- Not allowed under roof or enclosure
- Max fine
- $500 civil infraction
- Enforcing agency
- Detroit Fire Department
Summary
Detroit requires outdoor cooking units, grills, barbecues, smokers, ovens not attached to a building, to sit in the rear or side yard, at least 10 feet from structures or the property line, and never under a roof or enclosure.
The operation of an outdoor cooking unit in a location that is: a. Within the rear yard or the side yard of private property and not within ten feet of any fixed flammable object or property line; b. Not directly beneath a roof or enclosure; and c. Under direct supervision of the property owner, lessee, or owner of the unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 18-1-83 of the Detroit City Code, running an outdoor cooking unit, a stationary grill, barbeque, smoker, or oven not located within or attached to a building, is one of the only kinds of open burning the city allows, and only under conditions: the unit must sit in the rear or side yard, stay at least 10 feet from any fixed flammable object (a building, structure, utility fixture, tree, bush, or plant) or the property line, and never sit directly beneath a roof or enclosure. That last clause is the one that trips up balcony and covered-patio grilling in multifamily buildings. The owner, lessee, or unit owner must directly supervise it while it's burning.
Violations & Fines
Open burning outside these terms, including a grill placed too close to a structure or run under a roof, is a municipal civil infraction carrying a fine of up to $500.00 under Sec. 18-1-82.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Detroit?
How far does my grill need to be from the house or fence line?
What if my grill fire spreads and causes damage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan outdoor cooking overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
BBQ & Propane Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle bbq & propane rules.