Single-family homes can grill freely, but Tennessee's fire code bars charcoal and open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and condos—unless the building is sprinklered or the LP container is 2½ pounds or less.
Tennessee has adopted the International Fire Code, whose Section 308.1.4 governs outdoor grilling. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The rule exempts one- and two-family dwellings entirely, so most Hamilton County homeowners can grill on their own patios. For apartments, condos, and townhomes, the 10-foot rule applies unless the balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, or the device uses an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2½ pounds. Landlords and HOAs often ban balcony grills outright to comply.
Using a prohibited grill on a multi-family balcony can be cited by the fire marshal and is commonly grounds for a lease violation.
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See how Hamilton County's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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