Grills, gas-fired grills and hibachis may not be used on a balcony, under an overhang, or within 15 feet of any building or structure. Only electric grills that use no alternative fuel may be approved for balcony use in Howard County.
Howard County's Fire Prevention Code (Title 17, Section 104) and County Code Title 12, Section 108 set clear rules for outdoor cooking. Grills, hibachis, gas-fired grills, chimineas, luminaries, fire pits and other similar devices used for cooking, heating or other purposes may not be used or kindled on a balcony, under an overhanging portion of a building or structure, or within 15 feet of a building or structure. This 15-foot separation is aimed at multifamily and townhouse settings where a grill against a wall is a real fire hazard. The only exception is that Howard County Fire and Rescue may approve electric grills that do not use an alternative fuel for balcony use.
Using a fuel-burning grill on a balcony or too close to a building may result in a citation and/or fine from the Office of the Fire Marshal (410-313-6040).
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See how Howard County's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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