Prescott Valley, AZ Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Prescott Valley regulates solid-fuel cooking and heating equipment through its building code, not through a separate smoker ordinance. In § 7-02-210, the Town adds Section 2115 to the International Building Code, titled Chimneys, Fireplaces, Barbecues, Wood Stoves, and Other Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances. Section 2115.1 requires chimneys, flues, fireplaces, barbecues, wood stoves and other solid-fuel-burning appliances, and their connections, to conform to the section.

The installation rule starts on December 31, 2001. After that date no person, firm or corporation can install a fireplace, wood stove or other solid-fuel-burning appliance, and the Town will not approve or issue a permit to install one, unless it meets at least one of four conditions: a permanently installed gas or electric log insert; certification by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as conforming to 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Subpart AAA; testing and listing by a nationally-recognized testing agency to equivalent performance standards; or, for a fireplace, a permanently-installed wood stove insert that meets one of the two certification standards. Section 2115.1.2 bars altering or removing a log insert to convert a fireplace to burn wood or other solid fuel, and bars altering any appliance in a way that would void its certification.

The definitions matter for outdoor cooking. A barbecue is defined as a stationary open hearth or brazier, either fuel fired or electric, used for food preparation. A fireplace, by contrast, is intended for occasional recreational or aesthetic use, not for cooking, heating or industrial processes. Solid fuel includes wood, coal and other nongaseous or nonliquid fuels. Separately, § 7-01-140(A) requires a building permit for the construction, installation or alteration of fireplaces, wood stoves and other gas, electric or solid fuel burning appliances and equipment, in addition to any zoning approval.