Naperville, IL Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Outdoor grilling in Naperville sits within a layered framework. First, the Illinois Fire Code (adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under 41 Ill. Adm. Code 100, incorporating NFPA 1 Fire Code by reference) applies statewide as the minimum standard. Second, Naperville's Title 5 Chapter 1 (Building Codes) and fire-prevention provisions adopt the IFC locally, with enforcement by the Naperville Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Division at 1380 Aurora Avenue, (630) 305-5900. Third, NFPA 1 Section 10.11 (paralleling IFC Section 308.1.4) is the controlling open-flame rule: charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of combustible construction. Three exceptions apply: (1) one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the 10-foot restriction; (2) buildings, balconies, and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system are exempt; (3) LP-gas cooking devices with an LP-gas container of 2.5-pound water capacity (the nominal 1-pound disposable cylinder) or less are exempt. Standard 20-pound propane BBQ cylinders are therefore not permitted on combustible balconies of non-sprinklered multifamily buildings within 10 feet of construction. Fourth, Naperville's recreational-fire framework (applied also to outdoor cooking) requires that bonfires, campfires, and cooking fires on private land be at least 50 feet from any structure, with fires in approved containers permitted within 15 feet. Cooking on a grill is generally treated as a 'recreational fire' for distance purposes and is allowed without an Open Burn Permit. Fifth, dense smoke causing annoyance or discomfort to residents is independently prohibited under Naperville's smoke nuisance provisions. Confirm specific multifamily restrictions with the Community Risk Reduction Division before placing a grill on an apartment balcony.