Kennewick, WA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Fire Code §308.1.4 (Open-flame cooking devices) is one of the most-cited multi-family fire-prevention rules nationwide. As adopted in Washington through WAC 51-54A (the State Fire Code, based on the 2021 IFC with Washington amendments), it prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in Group R-2 (apartment) and similar multi-family occupancies. Exception 2 typically 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. Exception 3 in some editions allows permanently-installed cooking devices on balconies served by sprinklers. For one- and two-family dwellings (Group R-3 under the IRC), the §308.1.4 restriction does not apply, so single-family Kennewick homeowners may use propane and charcoal grills on patios, decks, and yards subject to nuisance and smoke-impact considerations and to any seasonal outdoor-burning rules administered by the Washington Department of Ecology and the Benton Clean Air Agency. LP-gas (propane) cylinder storage is regulated by NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) as referenced by the Fire Code: residential cylinders are limited in aggregate capacity, must be stored outdoors with appropriate clearances, and must not be stored inside dwellings or basements. The Kennewick Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Division enforce State Fire Code provisions locally under RCW 19.27.031.