Chatham County, GA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Cooking is expressly protected: Sec. 21-306(2)(e) lists cooking food for immediate human consumption as an allowed exception to the open-burning prohibition, so backyard charcoal and propane BBQs are legal at homes. Standard ~20-pound propane cylinders are below Georgia's LP-gas permit thresholds (Rules 120-3-16 / IFC 2018) when used and stored per the manufacturer. The key restriction is International Fire Code Section 308, adopted statewide: charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, and LP-gas cookers above the small-cylinder limit, may not be operated or kept on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartment or condo (Group R) buildings, except one- and two-family dwellings or sprinklered buildings. Keep grills clear of structures and never leave them unattended.