Information on this page applies to locations within Boulder's city limits. You can verify an address is within city limits at our City Limits Map
There is no open burning allowed within the city limits of Boulder at any time. This permanent burn ban includes portable outdoor fire pits and burning piles or bonfires of any size, or any type, of flammable material.
The only exemption to this restriction occurs when burning a safety flare, such as a road flare, in order to indicate danger to the public.
It is illegal in the City of Boulder to use or possess fireworks of any kind.
As stated in our City's Municipal Code: "The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks are prohibited. No person shall possess, store to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks except after obtaining a permit for the supervised public display of fireworks as prescribed by the city fire code, Chapter 10-8, "Fire Code," B.R.C. 1981."
Access the complete fireworks municipal code for the City of Boulder.
Small Propane Bottles: If using a propane grill on a deck built with combustible material such as wood, propane bottles up to (but not exceeding) 2.5lb/16.4 oz. are allowed.
Large Propane Bottles: Propane bottles exceeding 2.5lb/16.4 oz. are allowed IF the balcony/deck for the grill is made of concrete, steel or other non-combustible material AND the propane grill can be placed more than 10 feet away from any other combustible siding, decking or other parts of the structure.
OR
The structure is a single-family home or a side-by-side townhome.
OR
The balcony/deck where the grill is located has a sprinkler system.
Similar to large propane bottle grills, charcoal grills or any other type of open flame cooking appliances are also not allowed unless:
1. Your balcony/deck is made of concrete, steel or non-combustible material AND the charcoal grill can be placed more than 10 feet away from combustible siding, decking or other parts of the structure;
OR
2. The structure is a single-family home or a side-by-side townhome.
OR
3. The balcony/deck where the grill is located has a sprinkler system.
Electric grills are allowed. If you are using an extension cord, please ensure that it is an adequate rating for the grill.
All ceremonial fires within the City of Boulder require a specific permit, issued through Boulder Fire-Rescue.
If you would like to request a permit for a ceremonial fire, please go to the Ceremonial Fire Permit Page
To report a code violation that presents safety concerns, please call the City of Boulder non-emergency dispatch number at 303-441-3333.
For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
More information on reporting non-emergency concerns.
For information regarding burn permits for property outside of the City, such as in Boulder County unincorporated, please visit this Boulder County website page:
For information on Boulder County-wide fire bans, please visit this Boulder County website page:
The City of Boulder currently recognizes and enforces the 2012 International Fire Code which was adopted in January 2014.
Chapter 3 – General Requirements is making sure the three elements necessary for a fire to occur – Ignition Source, fuel and Oxygen do not encounter one another. The requirements and precautions outlined in this chapter, when applied using good judgement and common sense, will help to foster safety for everyone residing within the building.
Chapter 3 – General Requirements, Section 308 – Open Flames establishes the requirements being applicable to both indoor and outdoor situations involving open flames. The intention is to maintain separation between ignitable combustible materials and ignition sources that involve an open flame.
Chapter 3 – General Requirements, Section 308 – Open Flames, Paragraph 308.1.4 – Open Flame Cooking Devices states that charcoal grills and other open flame cooking devices are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. (Combustible balconies and combustible construction means balconies and siding made from wood or wood products).
This section contains a strict prohibition on the use of charcoal-burning grills and other open flame cooking devices in the locations described and focuses on the potential for hot embers to fall from the fire box of the cooking device and ignite a combustible surface, such as a wooden balcony or deck. The 10foot separation also reduces the likelihood that fire-starting cooking flare-ups will encounter combustible wall construction that is easily ignited.
Since this section only regulates the operation of the cooking devices, it is often asked if the devices can be stored in the locations described. In the case of propane fired grills using larger than those described in Exception 3, the answer is no. The fire code is regulating the amount or quantity of volatile fuel on the combustible balcony or deck. In the case of locating non-propane gas-fired cooking devices, the location would have to be approved by the fire code official.
Exception 1, exempts one and two-family dwellings from the requirements of this section and would allow the use of propane gas grills of any size on balconies of such buildings. In those occupancies, the level of familiarity and control exercised by the building occupants is recognized as offsetting the hazards of using open-flame cooking devices. There are practical difficulties involved enforcing such regulations in one and two-family dwellings as well.
Exception 2, recognizes the added protection provided by an automatic fire sprinkler system.
Exception 3, allows for small propane gas burning devices such as the small tabletop grills or units that might be used in cooking within residential occupancies.
I live in a townhome, does this code apply to me?
ANSWER: No, townhomes are considered single family dwellings. However, your HOA may have a stricter rule or covenant prohibiting them. It should be noted that Boulder Fire Rescue does not recommend gas or charcoal grills on townhome balconies that are built with combustible materials or within 10-feet of combustible construction because of the opportunity for fire to spread easily from one unit to another.
Why do I see larger BBQ grills on other balconies within the city of Boulder?
ANSWER: The answer to this question could consist of several explanations: • The balcony could be constructed of non-combustible materials such as concrete or steel and placed away from combustible construction or the construction itself is considered non-combustible. • Balcony could be protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system. • The grill is utilizing a smaller 2.5-pound propane bottle. There are conversion kits to use the small bottles on larger grills. • You may be looking at a townhome or single-family dwelling where they are allowed. • Storage of the grill itself without the propane bottle is allowed. • The grill is being utilized illegally. Boulder Fire Rescue has a limited staff and cannot patrol every multi-family complex within the city. If you believe there is a grill being used improperly, please call Boulder Fire Rescue and we will investigate the situation.
Can I have a grill that utilizes natural gas?
ANSWER: No, grills that are fueled by natural gas are still considered ‘open flame” cooking devices. They are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10-feet of combustible construction.
What is considered combustible construction?
ANSWER: Examples of combustible construction are as follows but not limited to what is listed below. It should be noted that the required 10-foot separation from combustible construction applies to each side as well as what is above the grill. • Balconies made of wood or wood composite materials are considered combustible construction. • Wood composite material that has a flame rating which is attached to wood joists is considered combustible construction. • Siding that is made of wood or wood composite materials are considered combustible construction. • Cementitious siding, such as stucco is not considered combustible however, other siding (non- cementitious) that mimics stucco (such as a product as EFIS) would be considered combustible construction.
Can I store my grill on the deck or balcony without the propane bottle? Can I store my charcoal grill on my deck when not in use?
ANSWER: Yes, the code limits the size of the propane bottle, not the grill itself. Likewise, the limitation for the charcoal grill applies to the use of the appliance, not where it is located when not being used. However, precaution must be taken if you use a charcoal grill before placing it in storage. Please allow the grill to cool completely.
My HOA says I can’t have a grill on my balcony even though it meets the requirements of the fire code. Can they do that?
ANSWER: Absolutely. Your HOA covenants or apartment rules can prohibit gas grills regardless if they comply with the fire code. The fire code is the minimal level of safety adopted in the City of Boulder, these requirements can always be exceeded by other regulations. Boulder Fire Rescue cannot supersede these stricter regulations, nor can a HOA’s/apartment complex rule supersede the fire code and allow grills on combustible balconies.
What is the fine or penalty if I ignore the fire code and use my grill on my combustible balcony?
ANSWER: The Boulder Revised Code Section 5-2-4, allows for a $1,000.00 fine for each day that you are in violation of the adopted fire code and/or 90 days in jail. One example of how costly non-compliance of the fire code could possibly be is as follows: If a written violation was written and cited on the first of the month and thirty (30) days later the grill is still non-compliant to the fire code, this could be a costly $30,000.00 fine and/or 90 days in jail.
Can I have a smoker on the deck or balcony?
ANSWER: Any type of smoker that requires an open flame to ignite or maintain temperatures is not allowed. Automatic electric pellet smokers that are enclosed are allowed. It is important to note that due to the disbursement of smoke from these type of appliances at startup, will cause public concern and 911 activation is likely.
