Outdoor Cooking in Iowa (2026)
12 rules on the books across Iowa, 9 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.
Cedar Rapids
Significant RestrictionsCedar Rapids Fire Code § 308.1.9, added locally as Municipal Code § 37.11, bans LP gas containers over 2.5 pounds water…
Read full rule →Ankeny
Some RestrictionsCharcoal grills, other ash-producing cookers and open-flame cooking devices cannot be used on a combustible balcony or…
Read full rule →Des Moines
Some RestrictionsDes Moines bars charcoal and open-flame grills on balconies or within 20 feet of combustible construction, but exempts…
Read full rule →West Des Moines
Some RestrictionsIn the City of West Des Moines, propane cylinders and cooking devices used at apartment buildings or condominiums…
Read full rule →Council Bluffs
Few RestrictionsBackyard barbeque grills and outdoor fireplaces used only to cook food are exempt from the City of Council Bluffs's…
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.
Ames
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Ames, Iowa, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices cannot sit on a combustible balcony or…
Read full rule →Ankeny
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Ankeny, Iowa, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated on combustible…
Read full rule →Des Moines
Some RestrictionsCharcoal burners, grills and other open-flame cookers can't run on balconies or within 20 feet of combustible…
Read full rule →Dubuque
Some RestrictionsDubuque's fire code bars charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10…
Read full rule →Sioux City
Some RestrictionsSioux City's fire code bars LP-gas cooking devices with tanks bigger than a standard 20-pound (5-gallon) cylinder from…
Read full rule →West Des Moines
Some RestrictionsIn the City of West Des Moines, barbeque grills and other devices that produce ashes or embers cannot be operated or…
Read full rule →Iowa City
Light RestrictionsIowa City lets residents run outdoor smokers, grills and cooking fires without any fire permit, as long as the fire…
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