Duluth, MN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Chapter 21, Fire Code and Regulations
- Adopted appendix
- IFC Appendix K, fires/barbecues on balconies
- Base code
- Minnesota Rules Ch. 7510 (2018 IFC)
- Enforcement
- Duluth Fire Chief/Fire Marshal
- Appeal body
- Building appeal board, § 21-2
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per violation, § 1-7
Summary
Duluth Legislative Code § 21-1 adopts the Minnesota State Fire Code, including International Fire Code Appendix K, titled "fires or barbecues on balconies or patios," as amended by Minnesota Rules 7511.7900, subpart 2. The Duluth Fire Marshal enforces the adopted appendix citywide, covering balcony and patio grills common in Canal Park, hillside and Park Point apartment buildings, with fire code decisions appealable and violations fined under the city's general penalty.
The city hereby adopts by reference and incorporates into this Code the Minnesota State Fire ... Code set forth in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7510, which is based on the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code, and as said rules and code may be, by the state, amended from time to time, or replaced. (a) The city adopts by reference the following appendices to said International Fire Code, their successors and amendments: ... (7) Appendix K - fires or barbecues on balconies or patios (as amended by Minnesota Rules, 7511.7900, subpart 2);
Full Breakdown
7900, subpart 2. 1 of the 2012 IFC. Enforcement runs through the fire chief and fire marshal, who may issue orders under the adopted code. Anyone affected by such a decision can appeal to the building appeal board created in Chapter 10, Article IV, under § 21-2. Where a permit is required under Chapter 21 or Chapter 10, § 21-6 sets the fee in accordance with § 31-6(a), due at the time of application. No fine specific to the fire code appears in Chapter 21 itself, so a violation defaults to the city's general penalty in § 1-7: a fine of not more than $1,000, with each additional day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 21 sets no separate fine for balcony or patio fire-code violations, so the general penalty in Duluth Legislative Code § 1-7 controls: a fine of not more than $1,000 for each offense, with every day the violation continues counted separately. The fire chief or fire marshal issues the underlying order, and any person affected, including over a balcony or patio grill dispute, may appeal to the building appeal board under § 21-2 before a citation becomes final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Duluth restrict propane grills on apartment balconies?
Who enforces the balcony barbecue rule in Duluth?
What is the penalty for violating the balcony fire code rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Duluth
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