Outdoor barbecues in Yonkers are governed by the Fire Code of New York State (19 NYCRR Part 1225, adopting the International Fire Code) and enforced by the Yonkers Fire Department. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Propane (LP-gas) container size limits apply at multi-family buildings.
Yonkers does not maintain a stand-alone municipal BBQ ordinance. Instead, Fire Code section 308 (as adopted by 19 NYCRR Part 1225) controls. Section 308.1.4 of the Fire Code of New York State prohibits operating charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. An exception allows LP-gas grills with containers of 1 pound (16.4 ounces) or less on combustible balconies at one- and two-family dwellings, and on balconies at townhouses, in certain conditions, but does not allow standard 20-pound backyard tanks on apartment balconies, roof decks, courtyards, or fire escapes. Within multiple dwellings (R-2 occupancy), the New York State Department of State's Technical Bulletin tb-3005 clarifies that grills must be at least 10 feet from any combustible construction and that propane container size is restricted. The Yonkers Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention enforces these provisions and can issue notices of violation under Chapter 21 of the City Code. For single-family detached homes, propane grills are generally allowed in the yard subject to the 10-foot clearance and common-sense safety practices. Storage of propane cylinders inside a residence is prohibited.
Operating a charcoal or open-flame grill on an apartment balcony, roof deck, or within 10 feet of combustible construction violates 19 NYCRR Part 1225 (FCNYS 308.1.4) and exposes both the resident and the building owner to Fire Department citations. Storing a 20-pound propane cylinder inside a multiple dwelling or above the first floor is a code violation. Fire Department officers may order immediate removal of non-compliant equipment and issue civil fines under the Yonkers City Code.
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