Rochester has no city ordinance specifically targeting residential meat smokers. Use is governed by the New York State Uniform Fire Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225, IFC § 308) as adopted in Chapter 54, plus Chapter 75 (Noise) for sound and Chapter 100 for any smoke/air complaints from neighbors.
Rochester City Code does not single out wood or pellet smokers in either the Zoning Code (Chapter 120) or the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 54). Residential smokers operate under the same IFC § 308.1.4 framework as grills: open-flame and solid-fuel cooking devices cannot be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction on multifamily properties, but use is permitted at one- and two-family homes in the rear yard. Persistent or heavy smoke that drifts to neighboring properties can be addressed under Chapter 100 (Smoke and Air Pollution Control) of the City Code, which prohibits smoke that constitutes a nuisance, and under Chapter 75 (Noise) where smoker fans or exhausts produce unreasonable noise at night. New York State DEC open-burning rules (6 NYCRR Part 215) prohibit residential trash burning but expressly allow small cooking fires using clean, untreated wood. Smokers should be placed on noncombustible surfaces, away from siding and overhangs, and kept attended while in use.
Operating a smoker in a way that produces a persistent smoke nuisance can result in a notice of violation under Chapter 100. Using a smoker on a combustible multifamily balcony violates IFC § 308.1.4 and Chapter 54 and can trigger Rochester Fire Department enforcement. Repeat or nuisance use is typically resolved with abatement orders before fines.
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