Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
St. Louis Revised Code § 11.110
Grill/pit status
Excluded from 'recreational fire' definition
Open-fire-only setback
12 feet from any structure
Open-fire-only curfew
Must be out by 11:00 p.m.
Open-fire violation penalty
$100-$500 fine or up to 90 days

Summary

St. Louis excludes barbecue grills and pits from its recreational-fire ordinance, so the 12-foot setback and curfew rules for open fires and fire pits do not apply to your grill.

Recreational fire is an outdoor fire, burning fuel other than refuse, leaves, grass, treated wood, building materials, paper, or logs larger than four (4) inches in diameter, where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit, has a total fuel area no more than thirty (30) inches in diameter and eighteen (18) inches in height, used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 11.110 of the Revised Code defines 'recreational fire' as an outdoor fire whose fuel is not contained in a barbeque grill or barbeque pit, along with incinerators and outdoor fireplaces. Because the definition excludes grills, the conduct rules that follow in Section 11.110.020, no fire within 12 feet of a structure or fence, a competent attendant at least 16 years old, extinguishment within 4 hours and by 11:00 p.m., a ban above 15 mph wind, and a nuisance-smoke prohibition, govern only open fires and fire pits. A barbecue or propane grill on a porch, patio, or balcony is not subject to those distance or curfew limits under this chapter.

Violations & Fines

None under this chapter: grills and pits fall outside its scope entirely. Violating the recreational-fire rules themselves (open fires, fire pits) carries a fine of $100 to $500 or up to 90 days in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep my propane grill 12 feet from my house in St. Louis?
No. The City's 12-foot setback applies only to open recreational fires and fire pits under Chapter 11.110: barbeque grills and pits are expressly excluded from that ordinance's definition.
Can I use a charcoal or propane grill on my balcony in St. Louis?
The City's recreational-fire ordinance sets no placement rule for grills at all, since grills aren't covered by it; check your lease or condo association, which often restrict grills separately.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Smoker RulesFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri outdoor cooking overview

Get notified when BBQ & Propane Rules in St. Louis, MO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.