Outdoor Cooking in Alabama (2026)
7 rules on the books across Alabama, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
BBQ & Propane Rules
When you can use a propane or charcoal grill on a balcony, deck, or patio. Many fire codes prohibit propane on multi-family balconies; some cities ban charcoal anywhere within 10 feet of a building.
Montgomery
Significant RestrictionsMontgomery's fire code amendment bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, sprinklered building or…
Read full rule →Huntsville
Some RestrictionsHuntsville's fire code bans grills, barbecues, and portable fire pits on apartment balconies, under overhangs, or…
Read full rule →Mobile
Some RestrictionsMobile's fire code bans charcoal grills and other open-flame cookers on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible…
Read full rule →Dothan
Light RestrictionsIn the City of Dothan, Sec. 38-32(f) of the Code of Ordinances exempts cooking fires, including barbecues and outdoor…
Read full rule →Smoker Rules
Rules for backyard smokers, pellet grills, and wood-fired ovens including smoke-nuisance enforcement, time-of-day limits, and HOA restrictions.
Mobile
Significant RestrictionsMobile's Fire Code bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies or within 10 feet of…
Read full rule →Huntsville
Some RestrictionsHuntsville lets residents grill and use fire pits without a burn permit, but grills and portable fire pits are barred…
Read full rule →Tuscaloosa
Few RestrictionsTuscaloosa's citywide open-burning permit requirement does not reach the backyard grill or smoker: Sec. 11-28(b)(1)a…
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