Kenosha, WI Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Grill setback
- 10 feet from any building
- Grill material
- Metal, concrete, or brick device only
- Propane rule
- Propane units may burn only propane
- Supervision
- Responsible adult must supervise at all times
- Penalty
- $100-$1,000 forfeiture, up to 60 days jail
Summary
Kenosha's fire code treats backyard grills as regulated open burning: outdoor cooking fires must burn in a metal, concrete, or brick device built for cooking and stay at least 10 feet from any building, while propane fireplaces or fire pits under § 3.19(B)(5)(h) may burn only propane, never wood or other fuel.
Outdoor fires for cooking, but only if said fire is contained in a device made of metal, concrete or brick, and specifically designed for the cooking of food by heat, steam or smoke; said device is to be located not closer than ten (10) feet to any building or structure. Once cooking is complete, the fire must be extinguished. Fires maintained contrary to this section are subject to an order to extinguish by the enforcement authorities at the sole discretion of the enforcement authorities in furtherance of this Chapter.... h.If the fireplace is a propane unit only propane shall be burned.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
19's Control of Open Burning chapter. " Once cooking finishes, the fire must be extinguished, and a noncompliant grill fire is subject to an extinguishment order at enforcement authorities' sole discretion. burn-time restriction that applies to wood fires. A responsible adult must supervise any lit grill or propane fireplace and fully extinguish it before leaving it unattended, and burning is barred when the Wisconsin DNR rates air quality worse than moderate or wind tops 15 miles per hour. 19(E) by a forfeiture of $100 to $1,000 plus costs, with up to 60 days in jail for nonpayment.
Violations & Fines
Placing a cooking fire or grill closer than 10 feet to a building, or burning anything but propane in a propane fireplace, violates § 3.19(B). The Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention enforces the rule and can order an offending fire extinguished on the spot. A conviction under § 3.19(E) draws a forfeiture of $100 to $1,000 plus prosecution costs, with up to 60 days' jail if the forfeiture is not paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my house can I put a charcoal grill in Kenosha?
Can I burn wood in my propane fire pit?
Are there time limits on using a propane patio fireplace in Kenosha?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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