Outdoor Cooking in Missouri (2026)
10 rules on the books across Missouri, 8 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.
Lees Summit
Some RestrictionsCharcoal grills and other open-flame cookers can't sit on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of a combustible…
Read full rule →St. Louis County
Some RestrictionsSt. Louis County exempts barbecuing from its countywide open-burning ban as long as the fire is either contained in…
Read full rule →Columbia
Light RestrictionsColumbia, Missouri's locally amended Fire Code bans charcoal and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible…
Read full rule →St. Louis
Few RestrictionsSt. Louis excludes barbecue grills and pits from its recreational-fire ordinance, so the 12-foot setback and curfew…
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.
Jefferson County
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County lets patrons build fires only in the fire rings and grills the Parks Department installs; bringing a…
Read full rule →Columbia
Some RestrictionsColumbia's Fire Code bars charcoal grills and other open-flame cookers from combustible balconies or within 10 feet of…
Read full rule →Independence
Some RestrictionsOutdoor cooking fires in Independence must burn in an approved container or enclosure, with fuel limited to natural…
Read full rule →Kansas City
Some RestrictionsKansas City's fire code bars charcoal burners and other open-flame cookers from combustible balconies or within 10 feet…
Read full rule →Jackson County
Light RestrictionsUnincorporated Jackson County allows recreational and cooking fires, including smokers and barbecue pits, but bans…
Read full rule →St. Louis
Few RestrictionsSt. Louis exempts barbeque grills and smokers from its recreational-fire ordinance, so backyard cooking fires skip the…
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