Jackson, MS Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Jackson's fire code is codified in Code of Ordinances Chapter 58 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) — Jackson currently enforces the 2018 IFC consistent with the 2018 I-Codes adopted under Chapter 26 (Buildings). Enforcement is by the Jackson Fire Department's Fire Marshal Division in coordination with the Office of the Mississippi State Fire Marshal under Miss. Code Ann. §45-11-1 et seq. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings of three or more dwelling units. LP-gas cylinders larger than 1 pound are also restricted in those locations. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings; buildings protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system (NFPA 13 or 13R); listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 pound. Jackson's downtown high-rise apartments, Fondren-area multi-family complexes, and various student-housing buildings near Jackson State University and Belhaven University fall under this rule. NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) governs LP-gas cylinder storage: cylinders larger than 1 pound must be stored outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area, away from building openings. Indoor or basement propane cylinder storage is prohibited. At single-family detached homes, backyard grilling is unrestricted by city ordinance — propane, natural gas, charcoal, and wood are permitted. Burn bans issued by the Mississippi Forestry Commission under Miss. Code Ann. §49-19-313 during drought conditions may temporarily restrict outdoor open burning but generally do not apply to enclosed-firebox grills.