Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits their use or storage on or within 10 feet of combustible balconies, decks, or exterior walls of multifamily buildings with more than two dwelling units, unless the building is fully sprinklered. Single-family Charleston residences may use smokers in yards and patios subject to general fire-safety clearance requirements. Charleston has no separate municipal smoker ordinance.
Smokers that use charcoal, wood chunks, wood pellets, or live fire fall within the IFC definition of an open-flame cooking device. Under IFC Section 308.1.4 of the 2021 IFC adopted by the SC Building Codes Council, such devices may not be used or stored on or within 10 feet of combustible balconies, decks, or exterior walls of apartment buildings, condominiums, attached townhomes, or any structure with more than two dwelling units. The exception allows operation where the structure is fully sprinklered. Single-family and duplex residences are exempt and may operate smokers in yards, patios, and driveways. General fire-code provisions require open-flame devices to be located at a safe distance from combustibles and never left unattended. The Charleston city code does not include a separate smoker ordinance. The Charleston Fire Marshal's Office enforces. Persistent smoke nuisances impacting neighbors may be reviewed under Charleston city code nuisance provisions in Title 21, and persistent issues in the Old & Historic District may be referred to Livability Court.
Operating a smoker in violation of IFC 308.1.4 is enforced by the Charleston Fire Marshal, with orders to remove the device and possible civil or criminal penalties under SC fire-code provisions. Persistent smoke nuisances may be referred to Code Enforcement and Livability Court. Confirm current enforcement with the Charleston Fire Marshal's Office.
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