Little Rock, AR Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Little Rock has no smoker-specific ordinance separate from its general fire and nuisance rules. Wood-fired smokers, pellet smokers, and offset smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and IFC Section 308. The IFC requires that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices not be operated within 10 feet of combustible construction or on combustible balconies of multi-family dwellings (unless the building is sprinklered). At one- and two-family dwellings, this restriction does not apply, so backyard smokers are widely allowed. Smoke and odor from residential smokers may be addressed under Little Rock's general nuisance provisions in Chapter 18 of the city code if they create a continuing, unreasonable interference with neighbors. The Little Rock Fire Marshal investigates fire-hazard complaints, while Code Enforcement handles nuisance complaints. There is no Arkansas state air-quality permit required for residential cooking smoke. Commercial barbecue restaurants and food trucks operating smokers are subject to additional licensing through the Arkansas Department of Health and Little Rock business licensing requirements.