Scottsdale, AZ Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Section 2116 of Chapter 31, added to the International Building Code's masonry chapter by Ordinance No. 4550, governs 'Outdoor wood-burning devices' in Scottsdale, covering outdoor fireplaces, woodstoves, fire pits and other devices capable of burning wood, the category that covers backyard smokers built from masonry or steel. 2 sets the baseline setback: 8 feet from any property line that abuts another property, or 10 feet in a zero lot line subdivision. Two exceptions apply: where the device sits along a property line abutting a street or alley, the applicable setback instead follows the city's Zoning Ordinance, and the building official may approve a smaller setback if the applicant demonstrates safety standards are still met.

3 and must be vented as required by the International Fuel Gas Code. 9. 5 requires a building permit, plan review and inspection for construction, installation or alteration of the fireplace, woodstove, fire pit or other burning device itself, though the masonry surround around the device is exempt from that permit. Applicants must also submit a site plan showing the device's location and its distance from the property line, alleys, the public right-of-way and other structures on the lot.