Lubbock, TX Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Lubbock Fire Rescue enforces the locally adopted International Fire Code through the City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, open-flame cooking devices, and LP-gas containers exceeding 1 pound water capacity on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments, condominiums, and other R-2 multi-family residences. Exceptions apply where: (1) the building is one- or two-family detached; (2) the building, balcony, or deck is protected by an automatic sprinkler system throughout; or (3) the appliance is electric. The 10-foot clearance rule means most Lubbock apartment balconies cannot host propane or charcoal grills; electric grills are typically allowed. Single-family detached homeowners may use propane, natural-gas, and charcoal grills in their backyards without city fire-code restriction, subject only to general nuisance smoke complaints. During Lubbock County burn bans declared by the Commissioners Court under Texas Local Government Code Section 352.081 during drought, commercially manufactured grills for food preparation remain permitted; only open burning of vegetation, brush, and trash is prohibited. Texas wind events that are common on the South Plains create elevated fire risk, and Lubbock Fire Rescue can issue stop-cooking orders during red-flag warnings. LP-gas cylinders inside buildings larger than 1 pound water capacity are prohibited under IFC Chapter 61.