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Des Moines, IA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum distance
20 feet from combustible construction
Balcony use
Prohibited citywide
Single/two-family home exception
Exempt if IRC-compliant
LP tank exception
20 lb water capacity or less
First-offense fine
Up to $750 civil penalty

Summary

Charcoal burners, grills and other open-flame cookers can't run on balconies or within 20 feet of combustible construction under the Des Moines fire code, unless they're at a one- or two-family home.

Charcoal burners, other open-flame cooking devices, and other devices that produce ashes or embers shall not be operated on balconies or within 20 feet (6096 mm) of combustible construction. Location of LP containers shall comply with section 6104. Exceptions: 1.One- and two-family dwellings, constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code.2.LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 20 pounds.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Des Moines Municipal Code § 46-66 amends the International Fire Code's open-flame cooking rule for the whole city. Charcoal burners, other open-flame cookers, and any device that produces ashes or embers are barred from balconies and from operating within 20 feet of combustible construction; LP-gas containers must also meet the location rules in fire code section 6104. Two exceptions apply: one- and two-family homes built to the International Residential Code, and LP-gas grills using a container holding 20 pounds of water capacity or less. Section 46-1(e) separately exempts outdoor fireplaces or grills burning wood or charcoal for noncommercial food prep from the city's open-flame permit requirement.

Violations & Fines

Violating chapter 46 is a misdemeanor or municipal infraction; first offense fines up to $750, repeat offenses up to $1,000, plus fire department administrative penalties and corrective action orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a charcoal grill on my apartment balcony in Des Moines?
No. Des Moines Municipal Code § 46-66 bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies citywide, with no balcony exception even for LP-gas grills unless the building is a one- or two-family home.
Does the 20-foot rule apply to houses?
No. Section 46-66 exempts one- and two-family dwellings built under the International Residential Code from the 20-foot combustible-construction setback and the balcony ban that apply to multifamily and commercial buildings.
What happens if I violate the open-flame cooking rule?
Violations of chapter 46 are misdemeanors or municipal infractions; the fire department can issue an administrative penalty instead, with civil fines up to $750 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat offenses in the same year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsBBQ & Propane RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

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