Macon, GA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Fire prevention in Macon-Bibb is administered by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department and the Office of the Fire Marshal under the Georgia State Minimum Fire Prevention Code adopted statewide under O.C.G.A. §25-2-4. The State Minimum Fire Code adopts the International Fire Code with Georgia amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 — applied throughout Georgia and therefore in Macon-Bibb — prohibits the use of open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any structure containing three or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings (single-family homes and duplexes); balconies served by automatic fire-suppression systems; listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 lb. LP-gas storage is governed by NFPA 58 (also adopted by Georgia), which prohibits indoor storage of LP cylinders larger than 1 lb and requires upright, ventilated outdoor storage at least 5 ft from building openings. Macon-Bibb has not adopted additional local restrictions on backyard grilling beyond the state minimum code, so backyard propane and charcoal cooking at single-family homes is unrestricted by ordinance. Common-sense fire-safety practice is expected, especially during dry conditions when Georgia Forestry Commission burn bans may be in effect.