Washington DC adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) as the DC Fire Code (12-G DCMR). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal and other open-flame cooking devices (including propane grills) on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in apartment buildings, condos, rowhouses, and similar R-2 residential occupancies. The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) Fire Prevention Division enforces. Sprinklered buildings have an exception; single-family rowhouses are also exempted.
DC has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code with District amendments as Title 12-G of the DCMR. Under IFC Section 308.1.4, no person may kindle or maintain an open-flame cooking device — including charcoal grills, propane grills, smokers, or pellet grills — on any balcony or within 10 feet of any combustible construction in: apartment buildings, condominium buildings, group residential occupancies, and most multi-tenant residential structures (Group R-2, R-3, R-4 occupancies). Exceptions allow grills in: (1) buildings with an automatic sprinkler system throughout that meets NFPA 13 or 13R; (2) one- and two-family dwellings (single-family rowhouses, duplexes); and (3) commercial cooking installations that meet IFC commercial standards. Practical implications for DC: most apartment and condominium balconies — including Adams Morgan, Dupont, NoMa, U Street, and Logan Circle high-rises — cannot have propane or charcoal grills unless the building is fully sprinklered. Many newer buildings (post-2008) are sprinklered and permit grills with management approval. LP-gas cylinders larger than 1 pound are prohibited inside dwelling units. The DC Fire Marshal can issue immediate-removal orders.
Operating prohibited grill on multi-family balcony: fire code citation, fines up to $2,000, immediate removal order. LP-gas storage violations: confiscation and fines. Lease violations may also apply.
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