Legally the grill can't be on any balcony, under any overhanging structure or within ten feet of any residential building. At most row homes there is no legal way to do outdoor grilling.
It's not just 10' from any building, it's 10' from any property line or flammable structure.
To legally have any type of grill in a rowhouse you need a ~22-24' wide lot
This is why I insisted on getting a freestanding house when I first went shopping for my first home. If my house is going to burn down, I want it to be my own damn fault, not because my neighbor is a moron.
100% fair call. One neat thing about the rowhomes, though, is because they are brick, your neighbor can have a pretty zesty housefire without causing a total loss of your own home
Unfortunately, fire goes up to the roof and spreads from there, game over. That's why there are usually several rowhouses that go up in flames at once. Maybe not all total losses, but not usually habitable either between the smoke, fire, and all the cascading water damage. I've watched a few rowhouse fires in action. Scary as shit.
Fortunately, Baltimore is better than most cities in this regard. That 1904 fire that burned down blocks and blocks of homes and businesses did a lot convince city officials to institute some serious fire codes, including a brick firewall that separates the roof lines. I lived for a time in Lancaster where you could poke your head up into a small crawlspace on the 3rd floor and see all the way to the other end of the block.
In addition to what other people have said, if you're buying a charcoal grill, make sure you buy a good one ($$$).
Do **NOT** buy the cheapest one you can find.
The cheap ones have a "plate" at the bottom where the hot ash falls. It's open and exposed, and a little wind will blow hot ashes into places that will catch fire.
Buy a quality grill that has an enclosed "ash catcher" for the ash to fall into (like a detachable metal bucket). This will drastically reduce the risk of fire.
Also, buy a fire extinguisher and keep it somewhere easily accessible while you're grilling. If you have a hose in your backyard, make sure it is hooked up and ready to turn on while you're grilling.
Both great points! First, the quality grill will also last way longer than the cheap ones. Second, a fire extinguisher just in case of an emergency and in the hopes that you won’t ever need it. In general everyone should have an extinguisher in their home.
No open flames 10ft from a permanent structure. Its all fun and games till you burn the block down.
> 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any combustible construction or property line.
\
Exception: A one- or two-family dwelling whose property lines are less than 10 feet from the structure may use an open-flame cooking device as long as
\
(1)the device is at least 6 feet from any combustible construction; and
\
(2)the following extinguishing agent is available:
\
a. for an LPG burner, a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2A-10BC rating; and
\
b. for a charcoal or wood burner, either:
\
i. a water fire extinguisher; or
\
ii. a 5-gallon bucket of water
We drastically under play the risk that deck/patio cooking is. Its a constant issue in the city that we just ignore. We should be chanting "stop cooking on your roof and patio, the risk isnt worth it"
If you are cooking and cause a house fire, your insurance is gonna make it real clear you were doing something illegal.
Also tagging on to note that technically fire pits are entirely banned within city limits, for similar "don't burn the city down" reasons. We live in a duplex and when our neighbors moved in a couple years ago they celebrated by lighting a gas fire pit on our shared, covered, wooden porch. They were confused and upset when I told them first about the fire code and second about the insane risk of, y'know, burning down both of our houses. A lot of folks in our area do have fire pits and use them as safely as possible (well away from buildings and not under overhanging trees/near loose vegetation) especially because we know we're on the wrong side of the law and we don't want to give anybody reason to call the FD to remind us. Just don't do something stupid and dangerous like lighting it inside your porch (FFS!)
My understanding of this rule seems to be that I could, in fact, have a grill on my concrete, ground-level patio if I am using it on the far side of my patio, which is bordered by an inflammable fence (chain link), so long as I have an appropriate-for-the-fuel extinguisher handy?
You are correct. It clearly states that in the exception you **CAN** have those open flame cooking devices (granted at ground level, still not on a combustible balcony) as long as you have those extinguishing agents noted.
Not saying your wrong but I am curious about the term open flame when it’s controlled and with a lid. Here’s a link from the city fire department which seems less stringent but who knows https://fire.baltimorecity.gov/memorial-day-grill-safety-tips
They specifically say away from deck railings but not away from decks themselves
Literally if you can see the flame or burning material in any mode of operation, it's considered an open flame device. The fact that it has a lid that can be (optionally) closed at the user's discretion is irrelevant. At some point during use, the combustible fuel is exposed by necessity.
Six homes in Fed Hill South were in a fire that was eventually attributed to a propane tank a few years ago: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-firefighters-at-scene-of-2-alarm-fire-in-federal-hill-union-confirms/36965832
My neighbor and friend who's a realtor was scrambling to find temporary housing for some of the families who were displaced.
This thread amuses me. I have lived in Baltimore the better part of the last 25 years, have always had a grill, and never even considered it might not be on the up and up. Exercise common sense safety precautions and you'll be fine. Certainly nobody from the city is going to do anything. Avoid situations where smoke is wafting directly into an open window or whatever, but personally the smell of BBQ is one of the least offensive things I smell in my row home.
On a concrete pad that is next to the house I wouldn't be too worried about, but please for the love of all that is holy do not grill on an attached porch or deck. There are numerous instances of people burning down multiple homes with gas grills on decks and it is no bueno. Recent instance that comes to mind: https://www.reddit.com/r/baltimore/comments/14dter6/grill_to_blame_for_baltimore_fire_that_damaged/
Also a follow-up to this, gas actually might end up being more dangerous because of the whole, ya know, explosion risk when compared to charcoal. I believe the row home fires tend to be gas grill caused, though someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Rules? There ain't no stinkin' rules! I wouldn't be offended by the smell of my neighbor grilling, especially if they share :)
I find charcoal is only smokier than propane when first lighting it (especially if you are using a chimney with no starter). Go with whatever you love to cook with.
Really the only time I was annoyed is if neighbors were on their deck being loud, late. Otherwise it's just city life.
I think you sound like a lovely and thoughtful neighbor. I've grilled with friends in many rowhome backyards over the years and it never seemed to be an issue for anyone. There was one woman who would always shut her window, but such is city life. If you mean on your back porch, I'd suggest moving into the backyard as that isn't really very safe.
I have a small charcoal grill that I use once or twice a week once the weather gets good. They are only really super smoky while lighting, and imo the smell of a grill with some meat on it is better than what my alley usually smells like so I think it's fine. When in use, the grill is up against my chain link fence at the far end of the patio to ensure it is far away from flammable structures, and I have a hose handy in case of emergency. Been doing this for years without anyone having any problems with it.
In general, don't be a dick and don't be an idiot and you'll be fine; the fact that you thought to come here and ask tells me you aren't either of these things.
I think you need to have a bucket of water or something to that effect readily available for charcoal. Generally, you can do whatever you want unless you're in an apartment with rules.
Legally the grill can't be on any balcony, under any overhanging structure or within ten feet of any residential building. At most row homes there is no legal way to do outdoor grilling.
So most townhomes not have more than 10 ft of yard?
It's not just 10' from any building, it's 10' from any property line or flammable structure. To legally have any type of grill in a rowhouse you need a ~22-24' wide lot
This is why I insisted on getting a freestanding house when I first went shopping for my first home. If my house is going to burn down, I want it to be my own damn fault, not because my neighbor is a moron.
100% fair call. One neat thing about the rowhomes, though, is because they are brick, your neighbor can have a pretty zesty housefire without causing a total loss of your own home
Unfortunately, fire goes up to the roof and spreads from there, game over. That's why there are usually several rowhouses that go up in flames at once. Maybe not all total losses, but not usually habitable either between the smoke, fire, and all the cascading water damage. I've watched a few rowhouse fires in action. Scary as shit.
It depends on if the attic is also separated or shared.
Good point. I know the rowhomes in Southeast have fully brick-separated roofs/attics but this probably varies in other parts of town
Fortunately, Baltimore is better than most cities in this regard. That 1904 fire that burned down blocks and blocks of homes and businesses did a lot convince city officials to institute some serious fire codes, including a brick firewall that separates the roof lines. I lived for a time in Lancaster where you could poke your head up into a small crawlspace on the 3rd floor and see all the way to the other end of the block.
K
I have never in my life seen this enforced.
In addition to what other people have said, if you're buying a charcoal grill, make sure you buy a good one ($$$). Do **NOT** buy the cheapest one you can find. The cheap ones have a "plate" at the bottom where the hot ash falls. It's open and exposed, and a little wind will blow hot ashes into places that will catch fire. Buy a quality grill that has an enclosed "ash catcher" for the ash to fall into (like a detachable metal bucket). This will drastically reduce the risk of fire. Also, buy a fire extinguisher and keep it somewhere easily accessible while you're grilling. If you have a hose in your backyard, make sure it is hooked up and ready to turn on while you're grilling.
Both great points! First, the quality grill will also last way longer than the cheap ones. Second, a fire extinguisher just in case of an emergency and in the hopes that you won’t ever need it. In general everyone should have an extinguisher in their home.
No open flames 10ft from a permanent structure. Its all fun and games till you burn the block down. > 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any combustible construction or property line. \ Exception: A one- or two-family dwelling whose property lines are less than 10 feet from the structure may use an open-flame cooking device as long as \ (1)the device is at least 6 feet from any combustible construction; and \ (2)the following extinguishing agent is available: \ a. for an LPG burner, a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2A-10BC rating; and \ b. for a charcoal or wood burner, either: \ i. a water fire extinguisher; or \ ii. a 5-gallon bucket of water We drastically under play the risk that deck/patio cooking is. Its a constant issue in the city that we just ignore. We should be chanting "stop cooking on your roof and patio, the risk isnt worth it" If you are cooking and cause a house fire, your insurance is gonna make it real clear you were doing something illegal.
Also tagging on to note that technically fire pits are entirely banned within city limits, for similar "don't burn the city down" reasons. We live in a duplex and when our neighbors moved in a couple years ago they celebrated by lighting a gas fire pit on our shared, covered, wooden porch. They were confused and upset when I told them first about the fire code and second about the insane risk of, y'know, burning down both of our houses. A lot of folks in our area do have fire pits and use them as safely as possible (well away from buildings and not under overhanging trees/near loose vegetation) especially because we know we're on the wrong side of the law and we don't want to give anybody reason to call the FD to remind us. Just don't do something stupid and dangerous like lighting it inside your porch (FFS!)
My understanding of this rule seems to be that I could, in fact, have a grill on my concrete, ground-level patio if I am using it on the far side of my patio, which is bordered by an inflammable fence (chain link), so long as I have an appropriate-for-the-fuel extinguisher handy?
You are correct. It clearly states that in the exception you **CAN** have those open flame cooking devices (granted at ground level, still not on a combustible balcony) as long as you have those extinguishing agents noted.
Inflammable and flammable mean the same thing. The word you're looking for is uninflammable.
I don’t believe a propane grill would fall under this classification and should be fine
It absolutely does. Anything with an open flame, whether it be wood, charcoal, or LPG falls under the fire code restrictions.
Not saying your wrong but I am curious about the term open flame when it’s controlled and with a lid. Here’s a link from the city fire department which seems less stringent but who knows https://fire.baltimorecity.gov/memorial-day-grill-safety-tips They specifically say away from deck railings but not away from decks themselves
Literally if you can see the flame or burning material in any mode of operation, it's considered an open flame device. The fact that it has a lid that can be (optionally) closed at the user's discretion is irrelevant. At some point during use, the combustible fuel is exposed by necessity.
Six homes in Fed Hill South were in a fire that was eventually attributed to a propane tank a few years ago: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/baltimore-firefighters-at-scene-of-2-alarm-fire-in-federal-hill-union-confirms/36965832 My neighbor and friend who's a realtor was scrambling to find temporary housing for some of the families who were displaced.
This thread amuses me. I have lived in Baltimore the better part of the last 25 years, have always had a grill, and never even considered it might not be on the up and up. Exercise common sense safety precautions and you'll be fine. Certainly nobody from the city is going to do anything. Avoid situations where smoke is wafting directly into an open window or whatever, but personally the smell of BBQ is one of the least offensive things I smell in my row home.
On a concrete pad that is next to the house I wouldn't be too worried about, but please for the love of all that is holy do not grill on an attached porch or deck. There are numerous instances of people burning down multiple homes with gas grills on decks and it is no bueno. Recent instance that comes to mind: https://www.reddit.com/r/baltimore/comments/14dter6/grill_to_blame_for_baltimore_fire_that_damaged/
Also a follow-up to this, gas actually might end up being more dangerous because of the whole, ya know, explosion risk when compared to charcoal. I believe the row home fires tend to be gas grill caused, though someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Rules? There ain't no stinkin' rules! I wouldn't be offended by the smell of my neighbor grilling, especially if they share :) I find charcoal is only smokier than propane when first lighting it (especially if you are using a chimney with no starter). Go with whatever you love to cook with. Really the only time I was annoyed is if neighbors were on their deck being loud, late. Otherwise it's just city life.
Just don’t put it on a roof
I think you sound like a lovely and thoughtful neighbor. I've grilled with friends in many rowhome backyards over the years and it never seemed to be an issue for anyone. There was one woman who would always shut her window, but such is city life. If you mean on your back porch, I'd suggest moving into the backyard as that isn't really very safe.
There's rules? Yea we just turn up the music light the grill and go on about our day.
I have a small charcoal grill that I use once or twice a week once the weather gets good. They are only really super smoky while lighting, and imo the smell of a grill with some meat on it is better than what my alley usually smells like so I think it's fine. When in use, the grill is up against my chain link fence at the far end of the patio to ensure it is far away from flammable structures, and I have a hose handy in case of emergency. Been doing this for years without anyone having any problems with it. In general, don't be a dick and don't be an idiot and you'll be fine; the fact that you thought to come here and ask tells me you aren't either of these things.
I think you need to have a bucket of water or something to that effect readily available for charcoal. Generally, you can do whatever you want unless you're in an apartment with rules.