Green Bay, WI Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Single- and two-family lots only
- In-ground fire pit setback
- 25 feet from structures/property line
- Portable pit/fire table setback
- 15 feet absent maker specs
- Fire size cap
- 3-foot flames, 3x3-foot area
- Homemade pits
- Prohibited outright
Summary
Green Bay allows recreational fire pits, portable fire pits and propane fire tables on single- and two-family lots only, with strict setbacks: in-ground pits need 25 feet of clearance, portable pits and fire tables need 15 feet absent manufacturer specs.
Recreational fires, barbeque pits, portable fire pits, and portable outdoor fireplaces are permitted on properties zoned residential and occupied by a single- or two-family residence under the following conditions:
(1)Recreational in-ground fire pits shall be at least 25 feet from any type of a building or structure, combustible material of any form, or property line.(2)Recreational fires, barbecue pits, and outdoor fireplaces shall be contained in an area not to exceed three feet wide by three feet long, or a circle larger than three feet in diameter. The flames of the fire shall be no higher than three feet.(3)All residential recreational fires and barbecue pits, excluding portable fire pits and outdoor fireplaces as defined, shall be dug into the ground at least six inches but not more than 12 inches and surrounded on the outside, above ground level, by a non-combustible material extending at least six inches above grade.(4)Portable listed and rated fire pits shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and shall be placed on a non-combustible surface that is at least 1½ times larger than the size of the portable fire pit. In the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, portable fire pits shall be at least 15 feet from any type of building or structure, combustible material of any form, or property line.
Full Breakdown
Section 18-66 governs backyard cooking fires: in-ground recreational fire pits must sit at least 25 feet from any building, combustible material or property line, and stay within a 3-by-3-foot area with flames no higher than 3 feet. Portable fire pits and propane or natural gas fire tables must follow the manufacturer's instructions; without them, both need 15 feet of clearance from structures and property lines, and portable pits must sit on a non-combustible surface at least 1.5 times their size. Homemade fire pits and converted grills are banned outright. These rules apply only on lots zoned residential and occupied by a single- or two-family home, the ordinance does not address multifamily balconies or decks.
Violations & Fines
Fire pit and grill violations are enforced as fire-code offenses; the adopted fire code sets a $1,000 plus costs civil forfeiture for violations under Chapter 18, per Section 18-44.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a fire pit be from my house in Green Bay?
Does this rule cover apartment balconies or multifamily buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
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BBQ & Propane Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle bbq & propane rules.