Outdoor Cooking in Indiana (2026)
4 rules on the books across Indiana, 4 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.
Allen County
Some RestrictionsBackyard barbecuing is expressly allowed in Allen County: cookout fires are exempt from open-burning distance limits…
Read full rule →Carmel
Some RestrictionsOutdoor propane and natural-gas grills are expressly allowed in Carmel: they are one of the few exceptions to the…
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.
Elkhart County
Some RestrictionsWant to grill or run a smoker at an Elkhart County park? Section 93.017(A) lets you, but only with untreated natural…
Read full rule →Fort Wayne
Few RestrictionsFort Wayne's open-burning ban excludes barbecue pits and grills burning charcoal, so grilling or smoking on your own…
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