Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is generally unrestricted.
Detroit enforces the State of Michigan-adopted version of the International Fire Code (IFC) through the Detroit Fire Marshal's office, part of the Detroit Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau. IFC Section 308.1.4 — incorporated into the Michigan Fire Prevention Code — prohibits the use of 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 three or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one-family and two-family dwellings (single-family homes and duplexes) are exempt; balconies served by an automatic fire-suppression system are exempt; and listed electric grills and LP-gas grills containing not more than 1 lb of propane cylinder (such as small single-burner camp grills) are also exempt. Practically, this means: residents of an apartment building or condo with 3+ units cannot use a propane grill, charcoal grill, or smoker on a wood or composite balcony, but residents of a single-family home or duplex in Detroit have no city-level restriction on backyard propane or charcoal grilling. Storage of propane cylinders larger than 1 lb is also restricted inside multi-unit buildings.
Using a prohibited grill on a multi-unit balcony: Fire Marshal citation, removal order, and possible lease violation. Building owners can be cited for tolerating known violations. Fire damage caused by a prohibited grill may be excluded from homeowner/renter insurance coverage.
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