Irving, TX Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

BBQ smoking is part of Texas culture and Irving has not adopted a specific ordinance regulating residential smokers. The Code of Ordinances does not prohibit residential wood-fired smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens, nor does it set time-of-day limits on use. Chapter 22 (Noise) addresses noise nuisances generally with residential decibel limits of 85 dBA for mechanical devices measured at the property line, but excludes typical residential cooking. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers state air quality rules under 30 TAC Chapter 111 which do not restrict residential outdoor cooking — residential cooking is excluded from the outdoor burning prohibition under 30 TAC Section 111.219. Real restrictions in Irving come from HOA covenants in Las Colinas (governed by the Las Colinas Association), Valley Ranch, Hackberry Creek, and other master-planned communities and PUDs, where architectural review may limit smoker placement and use. Irving Fire Department permits are not required for residential smokers. Commercial-scale smokers used for catering or food sales require separate Dallas County Health and Human Services permits and Irving Fire Department review. Texas drought conditions occasionally trigger statewide outdoor burning bans declared by Dallas County Commissioners Court under Tex. Local Gov't Code Section 352.081, which may restrict open wood-fire smokers but generally exempt enclosed cookers using charcoal or pellets.