Lakewood, CO Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Charcoal grills
- 30 ft from undeveloped land
- Gas/propane appliances
- Allowed if shut-off
- Rule applies
- Only during declared restrictions
- Declared by
- City Manager or designee
Summary
When Lakewood, Colorado declares Stage I fire restrictions, propane and gas grills stay allowed, but charcoal barbecue grills must sit at least 30 feet from any undeveloped area.
D.Use of liquid or gas fueled appliances.E.Underwriters laboratories (UL) approved wood pellet grills.F.Charcoal barbeque grills when not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area (2009 IFC 308.1.4).G.Portable outdoor fireplaces when not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area (2009 IFC 307.4.3) These devices must be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions with all covers, screens, and grates in place.H.Recreational fires contained in a designated ring or grill in a park or recreation area when not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area (2009 IFC 307.4.2).I.Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays. Contact must be made with the permitting authority to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.J.Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer of explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the fire protection district.K.Fire Protection District training fires.L.Open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions. Stage II Fire Ban.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Lakewood's Municipal Code gives the City Manager authority to declare Stage I or Stage II fire restrictions when wildfire danger is high, publicized on the city website and posted at parks. Once Stage I restrictions are in effect, Section 9.39.050 still allows liquid- or gas-fueled grills that can be shut off, but charcoal barbecue grills may only be used at least 30 feet from an undeveloped area, per the referenced 2009 International Fire Code standard. Outside a declared restriction, these placement limits do not independently apply.
Violations & Fines
Operating a charcoal grill closer than 30 feet to an undeveloped area during a declared Stage I fire restriction violates Municipal Code § 9.39.050, enforced by Police, Park Rangers, or the fire districts under § 9.39.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane grill during a Lakewood, CO fire restriction?
How far must a charcoal grill be from open space in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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