Spotlight on: Reviewing the Rules on Barbecuing
Temperatures are finally starting to climb, and we're thawing out at last. Condo owners and co-op shareholders with terraces may be getting ready to dust off their barbecue grills. Now is a good time for boards to review their policies on grilling, so they can keep all building residents up to speed on the rules. Some condos and co-ops prohibit grilling on the terrace, while others allow it with a few caveats – and let's face it, it may be disruptive to neighbors above, below, and next door. Regardless of where your building stands, however, it's still in a board's interests to remind building residents that they must firstly, comply with the building's rules, and secondly, comply with the safety standards outlined in the NYC Fuel Gas Code and NYC Fire Code.
Propane
For residential buildings, it’s illegal to store a standard backyard propane barbecue on a balcony, roof deck, roof, backyard, or courtyard. Standard propane barbecues use 20-pound liquefied petroleum gas — or LPG — containers. While propane tanks cannot be stored on roofs, you may use a propane tank that’s smaller than 16.4 ounces for a short period of time on a roof.
Natural Gas
If you want to use a grill that runs on natural gas, it must be made for residential use. It also must be installed by a New York City licensed master plumber, according to the fuel gas code. In addition, the piping must be inspected and tested according to that code. It is illegal to use a grill produced for commercial use in a residence.
Charcoal
Cooking with a charcoal barbecue is legal on a terrace or in a backyard — but not on a balcony or roof. There must be a 10-foot clearance between the grill and the building. You must also have immediate access to a fire extinguisher or a water supply, such as a garden hose.
Electric
Electric barbecue grills are legal to install, use and maintain at residential properties. This includes balconies, terraces, roofs, or yards, so long as the co-op or condo house rules allow it. Barbecue-size electric grills use a substantial amount of electricity. An electrician licensed by the Department of Buildings (DOB) can determine if your outlet has an electric current sufficient to safely operate the grill. Also, if you use an extension cord, be sure it’s safe to use with the current required to run the grill, or it can start a fire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the grill properly, and be sure to keep the grill at least 10 feet from anything that could catch fire.
At buildings that do allow grilling, boards can send these rules to all building residents in a newsletter or e-mail blast, and also post them in common areas, including doors leading to the roof.
NYC.gov also offers some handy tips for safe grilling:
- Never grill indoors.
- It’s illegal — and dangerous — to store or use any kind of grill on a fire escape.
- Have immediate access to a fire extinguisher, hose, water barrel, or sand when grilling.
- Keep all barbecues at least 10 feet from anything that can easily catch fire, including building walls, deck surfaces, or furniture.
- Be careful when using an electric grill, since grease can drip into the heating coils and ignite.
- Hire a New York City licensed master plumber (LMP) to install a natural gas grill.
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