Electric barbecues can be used legally on balconies, rooftops, terraces and courtyards. If you plan to switch to electric, make sure your outlet has enough power to run the grill safely. (A Ministry of Buildings licensed electrician can determine this for you if you`re unsure.) If you need an extension cord for the grill, check that it is also safe with the power required to operate the grill. Finally, make sure the grease drips and ignites in the heating coils. It`s legal to use a propane tank under 16.4 ounces for short periods of time on a roof or balcony, but be sure to get permission from your building. For a single-family or two-family home, a propane grill is permitted as long as there are no more than two 20-pound LPG tanks on the property. Here`s a great YouTube video to show you how fast a balcony can burn depending on the materials it`s made of:youtu.be/Av9bJCHoKzAVideo can`t load because JavaScript is disabled: Comparison of terrace fires: A barbecue causes a fire on a balcony simulation (youtu.be/Av9bJCHoKzA) While there are many good portable electric grills out there, The Weber Q 2400 is certainly one of those products that offer good value for money. The fact that you can take it with you when camping or tailgating, and then bring it back and use it on your balcony is just one of the many benefits you get from this product. And if the hot ashes from the charcoal barbecue fall from the balcony, they can quickly light a fire in the courtyard of the building or on another balcony. This is the most popular type of grill in New York apartment buildings. Many new apartment buildings are installing natural gas barbecues to make it easier for their residents.
In general, natural gas barbecues are legal in all residential properties in New York City, but they must be installed by a New York City licensed master plumber (LMP) in accordance with the New York Combustible Gas Code. In addition, pipelines must be inspected and inspected by the MTP. You should also measure your balcony or patio to make sure there is still enough space for you after bringing the barbecue into it. Make sure you have enough space around the grill — especially if you`re running out of space and opt for a planter hanging over your rail — and keep 10 feet away from apartment walls, hanging plants, branches and flammable railings. Have a fire suppression plan. Do not drink and grill. In Maryland, you can`t use a charcoal or gas barbecue on a balcony or an area within 15 feet of a condo or apartment building with 3 or more units. You can use an electric grill or similar device if an open flame is not produced. (Source) Lighting the grill for a summer barbecue is an eternity tradition, but not everyone has a large yard or patio to cook in. For city dwellers and those who don`t have a garden, having a barbecue on the balcony of an apartment may be the best thing to do. But whether or not you can have a barbecue on the balcony of your apartment has a lot to do with where you live, from the state to the city to your building.
Let`s take a look at the logistics to determine whether or not it`s safe to light propane next summer. For example, it`s legal to grill on a balcony in the sunny state of California — as long as the grill is at least 10 feet from the building. And in New York City, it`s legal to grill on a balcony as long as the grill is at least 15 feet from the building. There are several reasons why barbecuing on a balcony can be dangerous. So, if you`re planning to have a barbecue on your balcony this summer, it`s best to take a few precautions to protect your building from smoke damage. (Trust us; You don`t want to be held accountable.) Answer: Your association is simply following the law. The State of Florida requires local governments to adopt all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and requirements. Therefore, counties and municipalities are required to enforce the current Florida Fire Code (FFPC). The 2007 FFPC distinguished between types of barbecues that could and could not be used in living spaces other than single-family and two-family homes. While gas and charcoal barbecues could not be used on a balcony or under an overhanging part, or within 10 feet of a structure, the listed electric stoves, grills or similar electrical appliances were expressly permitted. In Mississippi, propane and charcoal barbecues should be placed away from home and not on balcony or terrace railings. (Source) In Hawaii, except in single-family or two-family homes, hibachi, grills or other similar appliances cannot be used for cooking on a balcony.
(Source) Designing a balcony for the barbecue is not easy, given the limited space you will have to work with. We`ve compiled a list of tips that can teach you how to design your balcony and make it the perfect barbecue and dining area, but you should always keep in mind that the size of your balcony is restrictive, so all the tips we`ve added here aren`t applicable to you. In fact, they have laws that explicitly prohibit barbecuing on a balcony. The ban stems from the fact that, as we have already noted, having a barbecue on a balcony can be very dangerous. In New York City, a grill should be at least 10 feet away from anything that could catch fire. Electric barbecues are allowed for use on balconies. Propane gas and charcoal barbecues are generally not allowed. For a single-family or two-family home, a propane grill is permitted if there are no more than two 20-pound LPG tanks on the property. (Source) There are some states where it is legal to have a barbecue on a balcony as long as certain safety precautions are followed. Electric grills don`t generate sparks or smoke, so they`re much safer to use on a balcony. And if you`re worried about smoke damage to the building, using an electric grill is the best way to avoid it. The size of the grill is super important.
Most balconies have very limited space to offer, which means you can`t just buy a sturdy grill and use it there. You should carefully measure the available space and choose a grill based on these measurements. Whenever you want to choose a barbecue for your balcony, you need to find the perfect mix between the size and number of people you want to feed at the same time. Sure, barbecuing should be fun, but it`s important to follow regulations designed to protect both people and parks. Keep in mind that propane grills are never allowed and grillers must be at least 18 years old. The same 10-foot rule we shared earlier in this article also applies to parks. You cannot place your grill next to buildings, trees, tree roots, or any structure. Open fires, including campfires on the ground, are also strictly prohibited.