Lakewood, NJ Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Lakewood Township does not regulate backyard grills or smokers on private residential property through a stand-alone ordinance; the only Township-level rule addressing outdoor grilling and open-flame cooking equipment sits inside the open-burning ordinance, Code § 3-27, and applies to public property. 2 defines "open burning" to include the ignition of a fire by any fuel source, or the causing, allowing, or continuing of a fire, whether it is contained within or outside a heating, cooking or other stove apparatus, a definition broad enough to sweep in a charcoal grill, a propane smoker, or a wood campfire alike.

4 applies. 7 then narrows that further: no one may build or attempt to build a fire in a Township park except in areas designated for that purpose by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Township Committee, or the Environmental Commission, and no one may drop or discard lighted matches, burning cigarettes, or other flammable material in a park or on adjoining roads. c allows propane-fueled heating or cooking apparatus at the area known as "Tent City," subject to Township inspection before use, an exemption that lapses once the area has no occupants. Outside a designated park area or the Tent City exemption, using a grill, smoker or campfire on any Township-owned property is unlawful open burning.