Propane and charcoal barbecues are broadly allowed in Pierce County and are treated as recreational cooking, not regulated burning. They stay legal even during most burn bans, but must be kept a safe distance from structures.
Backyard barbecuing with propane or charcoal is permitted throughout Pierce County. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency classifies charcoal barbecues among recreational fires, and gas grills are cooking appliances rather than open burning, so no permit is needed. Small propane cylinders used for grills fall below the fire code thresholds that trigger LPG permits under the International Fire Code (PCC 17C.60). Because barbecues are cooking rather than debris burning, they typically remain allowed during Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans that halt other outdoor fires, though the Fire Marshal can restrict open-flame grilling during extreme fire danger. Grills should be operated outdoors, away from combustibles and building overhangs, and cylinders stored upright away from heat. Multifamily buildings may impose
Barbecuing is rarely cited, but grilling too close to a structure, on a prohibited balcony, or during an extreme-danger open-flame ban can bring fire code enforcement.
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