Salt Lake City, UT Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Open-flame and solid-fuel cooking in Salt Lake City is regulated by the Utah State Fire Marshal's adoption of the International Fire Code (IFC), as reflected in Utah Code Title 15A, Chapter 5, and enforced locally by the Salt Lake City Fire Department. IFC Section 308.1.4 governs open-flame cooking devices: charcoal burners, smokers, wood-fired grills, and similar devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The rule has three core exceptions: (1) one- and two-family dwellings (including townhomes) are exempt, (2) buildings, decks, and balconies protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system are exempt, and (3) LP-gas (propane) cooking devices using a container with a water capacity of 2½ pounds or less (nominal 1-pound disposable cylinders) are exempt. Practically, this means residents of multifamily apartments and condos in Salt Lake City cannot use full-size propane or charcoal grills on balconies unless the building is fully sprinklered. Salt Lake City also prohibits open burning generally under SLC Code 9.24.140, and the Fire Department may declare any open-flame cooking a nuisance fire and require extinguishment if it generates complaints. Recreational fires must stay 25 feet from structures (IFC 307.4); portable outdoor fireplaces must stay 15 feet away (IFC 307.4.3).