No BBQ's in Apartments

katiesue · 01-04-2009, 11:56 AM

I read about this law a few months ago but now it seems, at least San Diego, is enforcing it. We got an addendum to our lease yesterday. You can't have charcoal or other open-flame cooking devices within 10 feet of combustible construction in multifamily buildings. It also prohibits using gas grills (effective Feb 1) having a gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds.

It's California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 308.3.1. I'm not very good a a web search apparently because I'm not having a lot of luck finding the actual code.

This article from the Sacramento Bee sums it up.

Now it says multifamily dwellings so I'm assuming this would include condos as well? Anyone else get any kind of notice?

Ghoulish Delight · 01-04-2009, 11:58 AM

We haven't gotten one recently, though I remember hearing about it a few years ago when we were still living in Irvine. I don't think anyone's bothered to enforce it

Kevy Baby · 01-04-2009, 12:01 PM

I received no such notice (we live in a condo), but this law would seem like common sense. I know some people won't like it, but having seen the effects of such a situation (burned out balconies due to BBQs), I initially support the ban (and I am actually surprised it wasn't law before).

katiesue · 01-04-2009, 12:05 PM

Our apartments already had banned any open flame except gas grills. I think I'm actually ok because I can use the camping size gas bottles with my road trip which are allowed, as far as I can tell.

Morrigoon · 01-04-2009, 12:13 PM

I remember apartments forbidding it. I have heard no such thing at my condo. Hope not, because our grill is charcoal!

Alex · 01-04-2009, 12:53 PM

Our complex sent out a reminder of this several months ago. Didn't know if it was new law or just a reminder of existing law. Our complex as communal grills but it didn't impact me at all since I have never, except when camping, come close to actually using a BBQ.

In looking around I too can't find the law online (the California Building Code seems to be something you have to purchase to read in full but maybe I'm just stupid) but it looks like the exceptions are for charcoal grills only at SFRs or duplexes, or if you're patio has automatic sprinkler protection.

JWBear · 01-04-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katiesue

It's California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 308.3.1. I'm not very good a a web search apparently because I'm not having a lot of luck finding the actual code.

You can read it here. Scroll down to page 35. (I have no idea why certain words are covered in yellow.)

Basically, no BBQs on combustible balconies in buildings with 3 or more units unless said balconies are equipped with fire sprinklers. (It says nothing about patios!)

Alex · 01-04-2009, 01:12 PM

Most apartment patios probably don't provide the 10 feet of clearance required ("or within 10 feet of combustible construction") especially if a fence would count as "combustible construction."

Not Afraid · 01-04-2009, 01:18 PM

My yard doesn't provide 10 feet of clearance.

RStar · 01-04-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

My yard doesn't provide 10 feet of clearance.

I think you'd just make it if you cooked at the end of your front walk just by the sidewalk.

There are pretty good grills out there that meet the fuel requirements, but they still have an "open flame" so I don't know if they can be used.

Like this one

There are some electric grills, like the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

Or this full size electric job that claims to cook as good as gas, although it is a bit pricy.

01-04-2009, 11:56 AM	#1
katiesue Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,678	No BBQ's in Apartments I read about this law a few months ago but now it seems, at least San Diego, is enforcing it. We got an addendum to our lease yesterday. You can't have charcoal or other open-flame cooking devices within 10 feet of combustible construction in multifamily buildings. It also prohibits using gas grills (effective Feb 1) having a gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds. It's California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 308.3.1. I'm not very good a a web search apparently because I'm not having a lot of luck finding the actual code. This article from the Sacramento Bee sums it up. Now it says multifamily dwellings so I'm assuming this would include condos as well? Anyone else get any kind of notice? __________________ My life is so exciting I can hardly stand it.
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01-04-2009, 11:58 AM	#2
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	We haven't gotten one recently, though I remember hearing about it a few years ago when we were still living in Irvine. I don't think anyone's bothered to enforce it __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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01-04-2009, 12:01 PM	#3
Kevy Baby Chowder Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yes Posts: 18,500	I received no such notice (we live in a condo), but this law would seem like common sense. I know some people won't like it, but having seen the effects of such a situation (burned out balconies due to BBQs), I initially support the ban (and I am actually surprised it wasn't law before). __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you cannot verify their validity. - Abraham Lincoln
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01-04-2009, 12:05 PM	#4
katiesue Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,678	Our apartments already had banned any open flame except gas grills. I think I'm actually ok because I can use the camping size gas bottles with my road trip which are allowed, as far as I can tell. __________________ My life is so exciting I can hardly stand it.
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01-04-2009, 12:13 PM	#5
Morrigoon I throw stones at houses Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Location: Location Posts: 9,534	I remember apartments forbidding it. I have heard no such thing at my condo. Hope not, because our grill is charcoal! __________________ http://bash.org/?top "It is useless for sheep to pass a resolution in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion." -- William Randolph Inge
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01-04-2009, 12:53 PM	#6
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Our complex sent out a reminder of this several months ago. Didn't know if it was new law or just a reminder of existing law. Our complex as communal grills but it didn't impact me at all since I have never, except when camping, come close to actually using a BBQ. In looking around I too can't find the law online (the California Building Code seems to be something you have to purchase to read in full but maybe I'm just stupid) but it looks like the exceptions are for charcoal grills only at SFRs or duplexes, or if you're patio has automatic sprinkler protection.
	Submit to Quotes

01-04-2009, 01:12 PM	#8
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Most apartment patios probably don't provide the 10 feet of clearance required ("or within 10 feet of combustible construction") especially if a fence would count as "combustible construction."
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01-04-2009, 01:18 PM	#9
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	My yard doesn't provide 10 feet of clearance.
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