Scottsdale has adopted the International Fire Code through the Scottsdale Revised Code, enforced by Scottsdale Fire Department. IFC Sec. 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and LP-gas grills with cylinders over 1-pound water capacity from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction on multi-family buildings (Group R-2). One- and two-family dwellings are exempt. Sprinklered buildings have an exception.
Scottsdale administers fire prevention under the Scottsdale Revised Code Fire Prevention provisions with adoption of the International Fire Code as periodically amended. IFC Sec. 308.1.4 (Open-Flame Cooking Devices) provides that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. LP-gas cooking devices with LP-gas containers having a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds (nominal 1-pound LP-gas capacity) are excepted. Three additional exceptions apply: one- and two-family dwellings; buildings, balconies, and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system; and listed equipment installed per its listing. Scottsdale Fire Department enforces compliance through complaint response and apartment community inspections. Many Scottsdale apartment communities and HOAs add stricter no-grill policies through lease addenda and CCRs, prohibiting all grilling on balconies regardless of fuel type. Maricopa County and Arizona DEMA may issue red-flag fire warnings during high-wind, low-humidity periods - while these warnings do not categorically ban manufactured grills, Scottsdale Fire may issue temporary restrictions during extreme fire weather, particularly in the Sonoran Desert preserve fringes of north Scottsdale.
Use of a prohibited grill on a Scottsdale multi-family balcony violates the Scottsdale Revised Code Fire Prevention provisions and the adopted IFC, with citations from Scottsdale Fire and required removal. Property owners face administrative penalties. Lease violations can lead to eviction. Fire damage from prohibited grills typically voids renter or homeowner insurance and creates civil liability for damages to other units and common areas.
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