Scottsdale, AZ Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Scottsdale enforces the International Fire Code under the Scottsdale Revised Code. IFC Sec. 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 its listing. Scottsdale homeowners may use smokers in single-family yards on noncombustible surfaces such as concrete patios or pavers with appropriate clearance from combustibles. No residential burn permit is required for ordinary cooking. Maricopa County Air Quality Department's Rule 314 restricts open outdoor fires on declared no-burn days during high-particulate winter periods, but cooking fires using clean-burning fuels are generally excepted - wood-fired smoking during a no-burn day is technically permitted for food preparation, but Maricopa County encourages voluntary avoidance. Commercial caterers operating smokers at events need a Scottsdale temporary food vendor permit and fire-safety review.