Barbeque Grills

Every summer, barbeque grills reappear on the balconies and patios of multi-family dwellings for another season of outdoor cooking. The use and storage of solid fuel or propane cooking equipment on patios has resulted, however, in a number of fires in the State of Minnesota and the City of Woodbury.

Many questions arise regarding the use of barbeques on decks, balconies and patios of multifamily homes.

Code of Ordinances

Woodbury Code of Ordinance Section 8-4 regulates the use as follows:

1. For any structure containing three or more dwelling units that have a common hallway or a shared means of egress:
   1. No person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of the structure.
   2. No person shall store or use any fuel, barbeque torch or other similar heating or lighting chemical or device on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of the structure.
   3. No grills, whether electric, gas, charcoal, or open flame shall be used on any balcony above ground level or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of the structure. Exception: The entire building, patio or balcony is constructed of non-combustible material and protected by a sprinkler head.
2. The Woodbury Public Safety Department shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this section.

For any further questions, please contact the Fire / EMS Department.