Saint Paul, MN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Saint Paul's fire code is the Minnesota State Fire Code adopted under Minn. Rules Ch. 7511, which incorporates the 2020 International Fire Code with Minnesota amendments. Local enforcement is by the Saint Paul Fire Department Fire Marshal Division. IFC Section 308.1.4 — applied in Saint Paul — prohibits the use of open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any structure containing 3 or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings; balconies served by an automatic sprinkler system (uncommon in older Saint Paul buildings); listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 lb. Saint Paul has substantial multi-unit housing in neighborhoods like Frogtown, the West Side, Cathedral Hill, University Avenue, Highland Park, and downtown where this rule applies broadly. NFPA 58 (adopted via Minn. Rules Ch. 7511) governs LP-gas storage: cylinders larger than 1 lb must be stored outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area, at least 5 feet from building openings. Indoor storage in basements, attached garages with ignition sources, or living spaces is prohibited. At single-family homes, backyard grilling is unrestricted by City code. Winter caution: very cold Saint Paul winters can affect propane regulator performance; ice and snow build-up on grills create slip hazards.