Peoria, AZ Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Peoria enforces the International Fire Code as adopted under the Peoria City Code. Section 308.1.4 covers all open-flame and solid-fuel cooking devices including offset smokers, pellet smokers, kamado cookers, and traditional charcoal smokers. On multi-family residential buildings (Group R-2), smokers may not be operated on combustible balconies, porches, or within 10 feet of any combustible wall, deck, fence, or overhang. Three exceptions apply: one- and two-family dwellings; buildings or balconies protected by an automatic sprinkler system; and listed equipment installed per listing. Peoria homeowners may use smokers in single-family yards on noncombustible surfaces such as concrete patios or pavers with appropriate clearance. Peoria Fire-Medical recommends an extinguisher or water source nearby. Maricopa County may issue restricted-burn alerts during high pollution advisory days under the County's no-burn rules; these advisories typically restrict open wood burning and recreational fires but generally exempt gas and small cooking devices. Commercial caterers operating smokers at events need a Peoria temporary food vendor permit and fire safety review.