Scottsdale, AZ Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from structure
- 10 feet of combustible construction
- Single-family exemption
- One- and two-family homes exempt
- Sprinklered building exception fuel
- Natural gas or LP-gas only
- Max LP-gas tank for exception
- 5-gallon water capacity
- Maximum civil fine
- $2,500 per Sec. 36-19.1
Summary
Scottsdale bans charcoal burners, chimineas, barbecues and other open-flame cooking devices from combustible balconies and from within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family homes are exempt, and a narrow exception allows gas grills on sprinklered multifamily balconies with a small LP-gas tank.
308.1.4, Open-flame cooking devices, is retitled and amended to read as follows: 308.1.4 Open-flame devices. Charcoal burners, chimineas, barbecues fixed or portable, open flame heaters, firepots and other open-flame devices are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1.One- and two-family dwellings.2.When all of the following conditions are met:a.Where buildings including garages, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system,b.Device(s) is/are fueled by natural gas or LP-gasc.LP-gas portable tank having a water capacity not greater than 5 gallons.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
4 as adopted into Scottsdale's Fire Code. The amended rule bans charcoal burners, chimineas, fixed or portable barbecues, open-flame heaters, firepots and other open-flame devices from combustible balconies and from within 10 feet of any combustible construction, a rule aimed at apartment and condo balconies built of wood-frame construction where a grill fire can spread to the structure. The ban does not reach one- and two-family dwellings at all, so a homeowner's freestanding house is exempt regardless of balcony material. 15. A charcoal grill can never qualify for this exception because it does not burn natural gas or LP-gas, so charcoal cooking on a sprinklered high-rise balcony remains prohibited within the 10-foot combustible-construction zone. 1, can act to abate an ongoing violation in addition to any citation.
Violations & Fines
A charcoal grill or open-flame device kept in violation of Section 308.1.4, on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction, is a civil sanction under Section 36-19, carrying a court fine of up to $2,500 under Section 36-19.1. A second violation within two years is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Section 36-19.9 counts each day the device remains in place as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Scottsdale?
Does the balcony barbecue ban apply to single-family homes?
Why can't I use a charcoal grill on a sprinklered apartment balcony?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scottsdale
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