Macon, GA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Nothing in the Macon-Bibb Code of Ordinances or the Comprehensive Land Development Resolution specifically regulates residential smokers, pellet grills, offset pits, or wood-fired ovens at single-family or two-family homes. Backyard smoking is treated as ordinary residential cooking and is not regulated by City-County ordinance. At multi-unit buildings (three or more dwelling units), IFC §308.1.4 — adopted through the Georgia State Minimum Fire Code under O.C.G.A. §25-2-4 — extends to smokers because pellet grills, offset pits, and wood-fired ovens are 'open-flame' or solid-fuel cooking devices and are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Smoke that substantially and unreasonably crosses property lines may be addressed under the Macon-Bibb nuisance provisions in Code Chapter 15, with enforcement by Code Enforcement (700 Poplar Street) or, for persistent issues, civil nuisance action under Georgia common law. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulates air quality only for industrial sources (GAEPD Rule 391-3-1), not residential smokers. Smokers should be paused during Georgia Forestry Commission burn bans, which apply countywide when issued.