Midland, TX Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- IFC § 308.1.4, locally amended
- Balcony/deck ban
- no combustible balconies or decks
- Clearance
- 10 feet from combustible construction
- 1-2 family exception
- LP-gas capped at 100 lbs aggregate
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine per day
Summary
Midland's Fire Code bars grills and open-flame cookers from combustible balconies and decks, and requires 10 feet of clearance from combustible construction: with exceptions for small LP-gas grills at one- and two-family homes.
Section 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Open-flame cooking devices, charcoal grills and other similar devices used for cooking shall not be located or used on combustible balconies, decks, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1.One- and two-family dwellings, except that LP-gas containers are limited to a water capacity not greater than 50 pounds (22.68 kg) [nominal 20 pound (9.08 kg) LP-gas capacity] with an aggregate LP-gas capacity not to exceed 100 lbs (5 containers).2.Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, except that LP-gas containers are limited to a water capacity not greater than 50 pounds (22.68 kg) [nominal 20 pound (9.08 kg) LP-gas capacity], with an aggregate LP-gas capacity not to exceed 40 lbs (2 containers).3.LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2½ pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity].
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 308.1.4 of Midland's adopted Fire Code prohibits charcoal grills, open-flame cooking devices, and similar equipment on combustible balconies or decks, or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family dwellings are exempted, but any LP-gas container used there is capped at a 50-pound water capacity (nominal 20-pound LP-gas size) with no more than 100 pounds aggregate: five tanks. Buildings with an approved automatic sprinkler system get a looser 40-pound aggregate LP-gas allowance, and small 2½-pound cooking-device cylinders are exempt outright.
Violations & Fines
Violating the placement or LP-gas capacity limits is enforced under the Fire Code's general penalty: a Class C misdemeanor up to $2,000 per day, with a written notice of violation issued first (Sec. 109.3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Midland?
Is there a propane tank size limit for house grills?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Midland to another location·View the Texas outdoor cooking overview
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