Columbus, GA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

The Columbus 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 code — fitting for Georgia's deep barbecue and college-football tailgating culture. At multi-unit buildings (3 or more dwelling units), IFC §308.1.4 — adopted via the Georgia State Minimum Fire Prevention 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 Columbus Code general nuisance provisions, enforced by Inspections and Code Enforcement; (2) Georgia common-law private nuisance, codified at O.C.G.A. § 41-1-1 et seq., which defines a nuisance as anything that causes hurt, inconvenience, or damage to another beyond ordinary neighborhood standards; and (3) suit in Muscogee County Superior Court for injunctive relief or damages. Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates outdoor air quality only for industrial and regulated sources, not residential cookers. HOA and subdivision covenants under O.C.G.A. § 44-3-220 et seq. (Georgia Property Owners' Association Act) may impose stricter limits in covenanted communities such as Green Island Hills, Heiferhorn, and other Columbus subdivisions.