Outdoor BBQ and propane grilling in unincorporated Monterey County follows the California Fire Code (adopted via County Code Ch. 18.09). Charcoal and open-flame grills may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings, with exceptions for one- and two-family homes, small camp-size LP cylinders, and sprinklered buildings.
Barbecue grilling in unincorporated Monterey County is regulated by the California Fire Code, adopted locally through County Code Chapter 18.09. California Fire Code Section 308.1.4 (Open-Flame Cooking Devices) prohibits operating charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. There are key exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the combustible-construction restriction; LP-gas cooking devices with a fuel container not over 2.5 pounds water capacity (the small portable camp-style cylinders) are allowed; and the restriction is relaxed where buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system. In practice this means a homeowner in a single-family residence can grill in the backyard with normal clearances, while apartment and condominium residents generally cannot use full-size charcoal or propane grills on combustible balconies. A disconnected propane tank also may not be stored on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Because much of unincorporated Monterey County is in a very high fire hazard severity zone, grills should be kept well clear of vegetation, and during red-flag warnings or declared fire restrictions even open-flame cooking may be limited. Always have a means to extinguish a fire on hand and never leave a lit grill unattended.
Operating a charcoal or open-flame grill on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction in a multi-family building violates California Fire Code 308.1.4 (County Code Ch. 18.09) and can be cited by the local fire district. Improper propane cylinder storage is a separate violation.
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