Denton has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisance and noise provisions of Denton City Code Chapter 17 and the fire-clearance rules of Chapter 29 (2021 IFC). Persistent dense smoke can trigger nuisance complaints. HOAs in Robson Ranch, Vintage, Wind River, and similar master-planned communities commonly govern frequency and aesthetics.
Denton does not have a smoker-specific ordinance. Wood smokers, pellet grills, offset smokers, and wood-fired pizza ovens are legal on residential property and are not restricted by Denton County burn bans when used in commercially manufactured equipment for food preparation. Persistent dense smoke that materially interferes with neighbors' use of their property can be addressed under the nuisance and noise/odor provisions of Denton City Code Chapter 17 (Property Maintenance), specifically Article II - Noise and Odors. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates commercial wood-fired equipment but does not regulate residential smokers. Denton Fire Department requires safe clearance from combustible construction under Chapter 29 (2021 IFC). There is no permit, decibel limit, or time-of-day limit for residential smokers. For multi-family buildings the same IFC § 308 balcony restrictions as charcoal grills apply - wood/pellet smokers cannot be operated on combustible balconies within 10 feet of combustible construction at 3+ unit buildings. HOAs in master-planned communities including Robson Ranch (south Denton), Vintage, Wind River, and Pecan Creek commonly impose stricter rules on smoker frequency, placement, and smoke control. Denton's location in Denton County and proximity to the University of North Texas brand of Texas barbecue culture make smokers very common.
No direct smoker-specific fines. Persistent smoke or odor nuisance complaints can result in Ch. 17 citations with Class C misdemeanor penalties up to $500 per day under Texas Local Government Code § 54.001. Fire violations under Ch. 29 carry higher penalties up to $2,000 per day.
Denton, TX
Denton Code Sec. 6-9 prohibits any animal from creating noise that interferes with neighbors' reasonable enjoyment of their property. Residents within 300 fe...
Denton, TX
Denton Sec. 17-20 uses a reasonableness standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most noise sources. The one specific numeric limit is 70 dBA at the eve...
Denton, TX
Denton Code Ch. 17, Art. II (Sec. 17-20) prohibits noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to substantially interfere with comfortable enjoyment ...
Denton, TX
Denton DDC Sec. 7.12 requires RVs and boats stored behind the front building line on paved surfaces. Occupancy prohibited. 72-hr temp driveway use.
Denton, TX
Denton restricts vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. One light commercial vehicle allowed behind front building line on paved surface.
Denton, TX
Denton has no citywide overnight street parking ban. The 72-hour limit and residential permit zones near UNT/TWU are the primary restrictions.
See how Denton's smoker rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.