Reading, PA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

IFC §308.1.4 (Open-flame cooking devices) is one of the most-cited multi-family fire-prevention rules in Pennsylvania. As adopted through the PA UCC at 34 Pa Code §403.21, it prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exception 2 allows LP-gas (propane) cooking devices on balconies of multi-family Group R-2 buildings where the building is sprinklered throughout and the LP-gas container does not exceed 1-pound capacity. Exception 3 (in some editions) allows the use of permanently-installed cooking devices on balconies served by sprinklers. For one- and two-family dwellings (Group R-3 under the IRC), the IFC §308.1.4 restriction does not apply, so single-family Reading homeowners may use propane and charcoal grills on patios, decks, and yards subject to nuisance and noise rules. LP-gas (propane) cylinder storage is regulated by NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) as referenced by the IFC: cylinders for residential use are limited in aggregate capacity, must be stored outdoors, and must not be stored inside dwellings or in basements. The Reading Fire Marshal (within the Reading Bureau of Fire) enforces IFC requirements. State backstop: PA Department of Labor & Industry Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety oversees UCC enforcement under 34 Pa Code Ch. 401. The PA Department of Agriculture also licenses LP-gas dealers under 35 P.S. §1325.1 et seq. (PA Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act).