Minneapolis, MN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Minneapolis's fire code is the Minnesota State Fire Code adopted under Minn. Rules Ch. 7511, which incorporates the 2020 International Fire Code with Minnesota amendments. Local enforcement is by the Minneapolis Fire Department Fire Marshal Division. IFC Section 308.1.4 — applied in Minneapolis — 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 3 or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings; balconies served by an automatic sprinkler system (rare in older Minneapolis buildings); listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 lb. Minneapolis has dense multi-unit housing (Uptown, Northeast, downtown, U of M neighborhoods) where this rule applies to a large share of residents. NFPA 58 (adopted via Minn. Rules Ch. 7511) governs LP-gas storage: cylinders larger than 1 lb must be stored outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area, at least 5 feet from building openings. Indoor storage in basements, attached garages with ignition sources, or living spaces is prohibited. At single-family homes, backyard grilling is unrestricted by City code. Winter caution: very cold temperatures can affect propane regulator performance; ice and snow build-up on grills create slip hazards.