Michigan has adopted the International Fire Code through the Michigan Fire Prevention Code (MCL 29.1 et seq.) and Bureau of Fire Services administrative rules. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (including charcoal grills and most propane grills) on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings (i.e., apartments and multi-family). A narrow exception allows LP-gas devices with limited cylinder size on balconies where the building is fully sprinklered, and electric grills are not restricted. For single-family Flint homes, the IFC restriction does not directly apply, but local property-maintenance and fire-prevention rules still govern safe storage of LP-gas cylinders.
IFC §308.1.4 (Open-flame cooking devices) is among the most-cited multi-family fire-prevention rules nationwide. As adopted through the Michigan Fire Prevention Code (PA 207 of 1941, codified at MCL 29.1 et seq.) and the State Fire Marshal's administrative rules, it prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exception 2 allows LP-gas (propane) cooking devices on balconies of multi-family Group R-2 buildings where the building is sprinklered throughout and the LP-gas container does not exceed 1-pound capacity. For one- and two-family dwellings (Group R-3 under the Michigan Residential Code), the IFC §308.1.4 restriction does not apply, so single-family Flint homeowners may use propane and charcoal grills on patios, decks, and yards subject to nuisance and noise rules. LP-gas (propane) cylinder storage is regulated by NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) as referenced by the IFC: cylinders for residential use are limited in aggregate capacity, must be stored outdoors, and must not be stored inside dwellings or in basements. The Flint Fire Department's fire prevention division enforces IFC requirements locally. State backstop: the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services oversees the Fire Prevention Code under MCL 29.1 et seq. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development separately regulates LP-gas dealers under MCL 290.541 et seq.
Operating an open-flame cooking device in violation of IFC §308.1.4 on a multi-family balcony is a fire-code violation enforced by the Flint Fire Department's fire prevention division. Penalties include stop-use orders, abatement directives, and citations under MCL 29.5 and local ordinance. Landlords face additional liability under property-maintenance provisions of the Flint City Code. Storage of LP-gas cylinders indoors violates NFPA 58 and the IFC. Persistent violators face civil-infraction citations adjudicated in the 67th District Court.
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