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Santa Fe, NM Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Zoning classification: Accessory use ('A'), not a listed use
Permit required for placement: None beyond accessory-use rule
Allowed districts: RR, R-1-R-29, RAC, AC, C-1, C-2, C-4, HZ, BCD, MU
Prohibited districts: MHP, I-1, BIP, SC-1, SC-2, SC-3
Fuel/flame rules: Governed separately by 2021 IFC, Chapter 12

Summary

Santa Fe's zoning code lists private barbecue pits as a permitted accessory use in the Table of Permitted Uses, marked 'A' across the RR, R-1 through R-29, RAC, AC, C-1, C-2, C-4, HZ, BCD and MU districts. No zoning permit is required beyond compliance with Section 14-6.3's accessory-use standards.

(3)Accessory Uses An "A" in a cell indicates that a use category is permitted as an accessory use as described in Section 14-6.3. ... Private barbecue pits, private swimming pools A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

View official code

Full Breakdown

1-1 sorts every land use in Santa Fe into three categories: 'P' for permitted by right, 'S' for special use permit, and 'A' for accessory use. 3. The 'A' mark applies across the RR, R-1 through R-9, R7(I), RC-5, RC-8, R-10 through R-29, RAC, AC, C-1, C-2, C-4, HZ, BCD and MU districts; the code leaves the cell blank, meaning prohibited, in the MHP, I-1, BIP, SC-1, SC-2 and SC-3 districts. 2-1. A propane or charcoal grill's fuel storage and open flame are separately subject to the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted in Chapter 12, which the fire department enforces on top of the zoning classification.

Violations & Fines

Operating a barbecue pit or grill that has grown beyond an accessory use, for example a commercial smokehouse or catering operation, on residential property is a Chapter 14 land use violation, and the Land Use Director's Article 14-11 remedies apply: notice of violation, an order to discontinue the illegal use, and civil fines from $100 to $500 over repeat offenses. A grill or propane tank that violates the fire code's storage or clearance rules is separately enforced by the fire marshal under Chapter 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to put a barbecue pit in my Santa Fe backyard?

No separate zoning permit is required. Table 14-6.1-1 lists private barbecue pits as an accessory use, marked 'A,' in almost every residential and commercial district, meaning it is allowed automatically as long as it stays incidental to the home, the same standard that covers a private swimming pool.

Are there setback rules just for a grill or fire pit?

Chapter 14 does not give barbecue pits their own setback table. As an accessory use, a grill or fire pit follows the same yard and height rules that apply to the house itself under Note 14 of Table 14-7.2-1, so keeping it within your normal side and rear yards satisfies the zoning code.

Can I put a barbecue pit on commercially or industrially zoned land?

Table 14-6.1-1 marks the barbecue-pit accessory use 'A' in the AC, C-1, C-2, C-4, HZ and BCD commercial districts, permitting it there. The code leaves the cell blank, meaning prohibited, in the I-1, BIP and SC-1 through SC-3 districts, so a grill is not an allowed accessory use on land zoned in those categories.

Sources & Official References

[1]Santa Fe, NM Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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