Backyard smokers - wood, pellet, or propane - are allowed at single-family homes in Durham with no permit. On apartment or condo balconies the same NC Fire Code open-flame rule applies: smokers cannot be operated within 10 feet of the building unless it is sprinklered. Excessive smoke can be a
A smoker is an open-flame or solid-fuel cooking device, so NC Fire Code Section 308 governs it just like a grill: prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multifamily buildings, with the one- and two-family exemption for houses. At a house you may run a wood or pellet smoker without a permit; keep it clear of the structure and do not let it become a smoke nuisance to neighbors, which the county can abate under nuisance rules. Smoking meat is cooking, not 'open burning,' so DEQ burn rules do not apply as long as you burn only clean wood or charcoal for cooking.
Improperly placed smokers on balconies are a fire-code violation; persistent smoke drifting onto neighbors may be cited as a public nuisance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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