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Knoxville, TN Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential setback
100 feet from residential zoning
Barrel smoker cones
Four 28-inch traffic cones required
Special-event fencing
36-inch non-combustible fence required
Warning signage
Two 'Caution Hot' stickers minimum

Summary

Knoxville requires any food truck using a smoker to operate at least 100 feet from residential zoning, and mandates safety cones or fencing around barrel smokers.

Any MFU using a smoker shall operate at least one hundred (100) feet from the boundary of any residentially zoned property, regardless of the use on the residentially zoned property, as measured in a straight line...Any barrel smoker used in conjunction with a MFU shall use at least four (4) twenty-eight-inch tall traffic safety cones, which shall be placed at each corner of the barrel smoker.

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 80).

Full Breakdown

This rule governs smokers used with mobile food units, not residential backyard cooking - Knoxville's code has no separate ordinance for private outdoor grills or fire pits. Under City Code § 16-571(4)(a), any mobile food unit using a smoker must operate at least 100 feet from the boundary of any residentially zoned property, regardless of that property's actual use, measured in a straight line, when vending in non-residential zoning districts. Section 16-571(17) further requires any external barbecue or meat smoker to display at least two 'Caution Hot' stickers, and any barrel smoker to be ringed with four 28-inch traffic safety cones, or a 36-inch non-combustible fence at a permitted special event.

Violations & Fines

Operating a food truck smoker closer than 100 feet to a residential zone, or without the required warning stickers, cones, or fencing, violates § 16-571 and can result in citation or permit revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Knoxville regulate backyard smokers or grills?
No. The only smoker-specific rule in the city code covers smokers used with mobile food units (food trucks), not private residential outdoor cooking.
How far must a food truck smoker be from houses in Knoxville?
At least 100 feet from the boundary of any residentially zoned property when the truck vends in a non-residential zoning district, per § 16-571(4)(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

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All Knoxville rules

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