Nashville, TN Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered buildings
- Other than one- and two-family dwellings
- Minimum clearance
- 10 feet from any structure
- Balconies
- Grills and smokers prohibited
- Exception
- Permanently installed listed equipment
- Default penalty
- Up to $50 per day
Summary
Metro Nashville's fire code bans hibachis, grills, smokers, and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies or within 10 feet of any structure at apartments, condos, and other multi-family buildings: single-family and duplex homes are exempt.
4104.2 Open-flame cooking devices. For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used, kindled, or stored on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure.
Exception: Listed equipment permanently installed in accordance with its listing, applicable codes, and manufacturer's instructions shall be permitted.
Deleting subsection 4104.3 in its entirety.
Subsection 4106.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro's fire prevention code, the 2024 International Fire Code as amended, applicable throughout Nashville and Davidson County, bars using, kindling, or storing a hibachi, grill, smoker, or similar cooking or heating device on a balcony, under an overhanging portion of a building, or within 10 feet of any structure at buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. That reaches apartment complexes, condos, hotels, and commercial buildings. The lone exception is equipment permanently installed to its listing, applicable codes, and manufacturer's instructions, such as a built-in gas grill hookup. Owners of standalone houses and duplexes fall outside this section entirely.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is set for this section, so Metro's general Code penalty applies: up to $50, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smoker on my apartment balcony in Nashville?
Does this rule apply to single-family homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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