DeKalb County, GA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum distance
- 4 feet from combustible building
- Covers
- any fire, incl. grills
- Enforcing agency
- DeKalb Fire Marshal / Fire Prevention Bureau
- Applies to
- unincorporated DeKalb County only
- Penalty basis
- Code § 1-10 (§ 12-44)
Summary
In unincorporated DeKalb County, it's illegal to ignite any fire, including a grill, within four feet of a combustible building, covering charcoal and propane BBQs used under balconies or overhangs at apartments and condos.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ignite a fire of any type within four (4) feet of a combustible building, including ignition under combustible overhangs and balconies.
Full Breakdown
DeKalb's fire code bans igniting 'a fire of any type' within four feet of any building with combustible siding or sheathing, explicitly naming ignition under combustible overhangs and balconies, the exact scenario of a propane or charcoal grill on an apartment balcony. Vinyl, aluminum and untreated wood siding all count as combustible under this rule. The bureau of fire prevention enforces it under Ordinance 05-05; violators face an ordinance citation and, on conviction, a fine and/or imprisonment set under Code § 1-10. This applies only in unincorporated DeKalb, incorporated cities like Decatur, Dunwoody and Brookhaven enforce their own fire codes.
Violations & Fines
Igniting a grill within four feet of a combustible building or under a balcony is an ordinance violation; conviction brings a fine and/or jail time under DeKalb Code § 1-10 per § 12-44.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in DeKalb County?
Does this rule apply inside Decatur or Dunwoody?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia outdoor cooking overview
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