Outdoor Cooking in Tennessee (2026)
9 rules on the books across Tennessee, 7 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.
Nashville
Significant RestrictionsMetro Nashville bans hibachis, grills, and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies, under overhangs, or within 10…
Read full rule →Knox County
Some RestrictionsGrilling with charcoal or propane is allowed in Knox County; cooking fires are exempt from the open-burning permit. On…
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.
Hendersonville
Some RestrictionsHendersonville's fire code bars charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from combustible balconies or…
Read full rule →Knox County
Some RestrictionsBackyard smokers count as cooking fires in Knox County and need no open-burning permit. Use clean cooking wood or…
Read full rule →Knoxville
Some RestrictionsKnoxville requires any food truck using a smoker to operate at least 100 feet from residential zoning, and mandates…
Read full rule →Nashville
Some RestrictionsMetro Nashville's fire code bans hibachis, grills, smokers, and other open-flame cooking devices on balconies or within…
Read full rule →Collierville
Light RestrictionsThe Town of Collierville prohibits open burning, but § 91.15(B)(7) carves out grilling, barbeque and cooking food using…
Read full rule →Smyrna
Light RestrictionsThe Town of Smyrna, Tennessee, exempts contained cooking fires from the open burning permit under Title 7, Chapter 5…
Read full rule →Franklin
Few RestrictionsFranklin bans open burning citywide but expressly exempts non-commercial cooking fires, including barbecues and outdoor…
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