Roseville, MN Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Section 902.06 of the Roseville City Code governs open flame cooking and heating devices at multi-unit housing, under the heading Open flame on apartment balconies. Subsection (a) applies to Fire Code Group R-2 properties. Under (a)(1), in any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the structure. Under (a)(2), no person shall store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch, or other similar heating or lighting chemical or device in the locations designated in section 1.1 of the state fire code.

The section names barbecues and torches and does not mention smokers by name, so the question for a wood or charcoal cooker is whether it is an open flame or a similar device in a covered location. Subsection (b) is the only exception: listed electric or gas-fired barbecue grills that are permanently mounted and wired or plumbed to the building's gas supply or electrical system, and that keep a minimum clearance of 18 inches (457 mm) on all sides unless listed for lesser clearances, can be installed on balconies and patios when the fire chief approves.

A freestanding propane or charcoal grill carried onto a balcony does not fit that exception. Outdoor cooking at a house or other building outside this section falls under the recreational fire rules in § 403.02(b), which describe recreational fires as used for cooking, social or recreational purposes and set 25 feet from a structure or property line for permanent enclosures, 15 feet for portable ones, a three-foot diameter, a four-hour maximum, and constant attendance by a responsible adult.