Troy, MI Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max size
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Clearance from structures
- 25 feet minimum
- Allowed fuel
- seasoned dry firewood or charcoal briquettes
- Permit needed for a ground fire
- no (bonfires need one)
- Fine for violations
- up to $500 per day, § 112.4
Summary
Troy's fire code lets residents burn a small fire to cook food outdoors, but only within strict limits. Chapter 93 Section 307.4.4 caps a "ground fire" (which the code defines to include fires used to cook food) at 3 feet across and 2 feet tall, and it must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material.
GROUND FIRE. An outdoor fire for the purpose of viewing or warming, or utilized to cook food for human consumption, or for ceremonial purposes, which burns only seasoned dry firewood or commercially available charcoal briquettes intended to minimize the generation of air contaminants. ... 307.4.4 Ground Fires. Ground fires shall not be conducted within 25' of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that cause a fire to spread within 25' of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Ground fires shall be the minimum size for the intended purpose, but not larger than 3 feet (914 mm) in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) in height and shall be contained in a safe manner.
Full Breakdown
The Troy Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 93 of the City Code, adopting the International Fire Code with local amendments) defines a GROUND FIRE in Section 202 as an outdoor fire used for viewing, warming, ceremonial purposes, or to cook food for human consumption, and it restricts the fuel to seasoned dry firewood or commercially available charcoal briquettes meant to cut down on air contaminants. 4 then sets the operating limits: the fire cannot be built within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, any conditions that could let it spread within that 25-foot zone must be cleared before ignition, and the fire itself is capped at 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height and must be kept contained safely at all times.
1 unless the fire sits inside a barbecue pit. 1 bars burning trash, leaves, or other combustible debris outdoors at any time, regardless of the appliance used. 3 the fire code official or a police officer can order any fire extinguished immediately if it becomes hazardous or objectionable because of smoke, odor, or local conditions.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 93, including the ground fire size and clearance limits, is a Municipal Civil Infraction under Section 112.4, carrying a fine of up to $500 as set by a judge, plus any cost recovery the Troy Fire Department incurs responding. Each day the violation continues after the City has served notice counts as a separate offense, so an oversized or too-close fire left burning can rack up repeat penalties quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grill or smoke food outdoors in Troy?
What fuel can I burn in an outdoor cooking fire in Troy?
What happens if my outdoor cooking fire breaks the rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Troy
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