In Memphis and Shelby County, backyard grilling is a way of life and is allowed at single-family homes. The adopted 2021 International Fire Code (county code Chapter 22), enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department, restricts charcoal and larger LP-gas cooking devices on multifamily balconies near combustible construction.
Outdoor grilling with charcoal or propane is generally permitted at single-family homes in unincorporated Shelby County under the 2021 International Fire Code, adopted at Chapter 22, Article II and enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department. The key restriction is Fire Code Section 308 on open-flame cooking devices: charcoal burners and LP-gas devices with cylinders over the code limit must not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multifamily (Group R) occupancies, with exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings and sprinklered buildings. Household grill cylinders (20-pound tanks) fall below Chapter 61 permit thresholds. Because Memphis is a barbecue capital, grill on noncombustible surfaces, never leave one unattended, and cool coals before disposal.
BBQ violations are enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department; operating a prohibited charcoal or large-cylinder grill on a multifamily balcony, or letting a grill fire spread, is a violation subject to citation. Report out-of-control fires to 911.
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See how Shelby County's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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