Lakeville, MN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Lakeville City Code 8-4-1 adopts the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minnesota Rules Chapter 7511), which carries the state's multifamily grilling restriction (the State Fire Code's balcony/patio provision based on IFC Appendix O). In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person may kindle, maintain or cause any fire or open flame on a balcony above ground level, or on a ground-floor patio within 15 feet of the structure, and no fuel, barbecue, torch or similar device may be stored or used in those locations. The exception is permanently mounted electric or natural-gas grills that are wired or plumbed to the building, maintain at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides, and are approved by the fire chief. Propane cylinders for grills must be stored outdoors, at least 10 feet from building openings such as windows, doors and fresh-air intakes, and never indoors. For single-family homes (one- and two-family dwellings), these balcony/patio restrictions do not apply, so homeowners may use charcoal and propane grills in their own yards subject to general fire-safety care - keeping grills a safe distance from the house, siding and combustibles, and never grilling indoors or in an enclosed garage. The Lakeville Fire Marshal enforces the State Fire Code provisions.