Baton Rouge, LA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

The East Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances does not contain a smoker-specific provision. Backyard pellet grills, offset smokers, ceramic kamados, and wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family or duplex homes are treated as ordinary residential cooking and are not regulated by City-Parish code — a position consistent with the region's tailgating, crawfish boil, and competition barbecue traditions (Memphis in May qualifying events, LSU football tailgates). At multi-unit buildings (3 or more dwelling units), IFC §308.1.4 — adopted via the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code — extends to smokers because pellet grills, offset pits, and wood-fired ovens are 'open-flame' or solid-fuel cooking devices and are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Smoke that substantially and unreasonably crosses property lines may be addressed under: (1) the East Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances general nuisance provisions, enforced by the Department of Development or DPW Code Enforcement; (2) Louisiana Civil Code articles on neighbor disputes including La. Civ. Code arts. 667-669 (nuisance liability for inconvenience exceeding ordinary neighborhood standards); and (3) common-law private nuisance action in the 19th Judicial District Court. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality regulates outdoor air quality but only for industrial sources, not residential cookers. LDEQ ozone-action advisories during summer high-ozone days are advisory only. HOA and subdivision restrictions under La. Civ. Code arts. 775-783 may impose stricter limits in covenanted communities (Country Club of Louisiana, University Club, Highland Plantation).