Henderson, NV Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Grills/smokers for cooking food
- no permit required
- Other open outdoor fires
- fire dept. permit required
- Enforcing agency
- Henderson Fire Department
- Max penalty for illegal fires
- $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
- Applies to
- private land in city limits
Summary
Henderson requires a fire department permit for any outdoor open fire on private land, but specifically exempts barbecue pits, grills, and outdoor fireplaces used to cook food for people on the property.
No person shall kindle or maintain any outdoor open fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any private land without first having obtained a permit from the fire department. Nor shall any fire be kindled or maintained in any outdoor container unless such container has been approved by and a permit issued by the fire department. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or make unlawful the construction and use of barbecue pits, grills or outdoor fireplaces for the preparation of food for consumption by individuals on their own private property or with the permission of the owner of the private property.
(Ord. No. 3967, § 1, 6-6-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
HMC 8.37.090 makes it unlawful to kindle or maintain an outdoor open fire, or a fire in any outdoor container, on private land in Henderson without a fire department permit. The section carves out an explicit exception: it does not prohibit building or using barbecue pits, grills, or outdoor fireplaces to prepare food for people on that private property or with the owner's permission. So a backyard smoker, charcoal grill, or built-in fireplace used for cooking is permit-free, while a bonfire, burn pile, or other open fire is not.
Violations & Fines
Violating the underlying permit requirement is a misdemeanor under HMC 8.37.100: up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine per violation, or a civil penalty under HMC 1.05.020 instead of prosecution. The food-preparation exception itself carries no penalty because it isn't a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to use a smoker or grill in my Henderson backyard?
What outdoor fires in Henderson do need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henderson
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Smoker Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Clark County handle smoker rules.