New Braunfels, TX Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- 3+ unit or 2+ story multifamily buildings
- Exempt distance
- 10+ feet from structure, permanent mount
- Max fine
- Up to $2,000 per day
- Enforced by
- Fire Marshal's Office
Summary
New Braunfels bans open-flame grills and propane cooking devices on balconies and decks at multifamily buildings of three or more units or two-plus stories.
It is unlawful to use or to store a charcoal burner, open flame, LP gas burner, outdoor grill, pellet smoker, barbecue, or other outdoor cooking appliance that produces a flame on the premises of a residential building with three or more dwelling units or of a multifamily residential building with two or more stories. The provision does not apply to the use of permanently mounted outdoor cooking devices located ten or more feet from any structure.
Exceptions:
1.Townhomes where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.2.LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container must have a water capacity not greater than 2-1/2 pounds Inominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas.f)Section 505.1 Address identification.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's Fire Code amendments, it's unlawful to use or store a charcoal burner, LP-gas burner, outdoor grill, pellet smoker, barbecue, or any other flame-producing cooking appliance on the premises of a residential building with three or more dwelling units, or a multifamily building of two or more stories. Permanently mounted cooking devices at least ten feet from any structure are exempt, as are townhomes with sprinkler-protected balconies and decks, and small LP-gas devices using a cylinder rated at no more than 2.5 lb water capacity (about 1 lb of propane).
Violations & Fines
Violating the Fire Code carries a fine of up to $2,000, with each day a violation continues treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a small propane cooking device on my apartment balcony in New Braunfels?
Does the grill ban apply to single-family homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Braunfels
Texas rules heatmap·Compare New Braunfels to another location·View the Texas outdoor cooking overview
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