Grilling and Fire Pit Safety for Chicago Condo Residents

Before gathering friends and family together for a barbecue at your condo, it is important to be aware of, and adhere to, local regulations and safety practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Aside from insurance risks, failure to comply with these guidelines can result in fines and penalties, and an increased risk of fire or injury.

Here’s what you need to know:

Check Association’s Governing Documents

Before sparking up the BBQ or lighting up the fire pit, first, consult your association’s governing documents. These documents clearly lay out the rules of your condo association, including those pertaining to outdoor heaters, fire pits, and grills.

If you violate any of these rules, you could face fines and risk the safety of the community as a whole.

Chicago Regulations on Grills

Chicago has a set of regulations that apply, city-wide, to the use of grills.

Keep the following in mind:

1. The storage, handling, keeping, or using of any liquefied petroleum gas for any purpose is not permitted inside or in any covered outdoor area of any building or structure with an occupant load exceeding 20 persons. Violating this rule can carry a fine of up to $500.
2. You can’t grill within 10 feet of a building. This includes both residential and commercial buildings.
3. You can’t use an open-flame grill on a wooden deck. Violators could be fined up to $500.
4. You can’t leave your grill unattended. Leaving your grill unattended, could result in a fine of up to $500.

If you’re planning to grill in a Chicago park, remember:

• You can only grill in designated areas in Chicago parks. Grilling is not allowed on the parkway or in the playlot.
• You must have a permit to grill in a Chicago park. Permits are available at the park office or online.

Chicago Regulations on Fire Pits

Not everyone wants to grill, some people prefer roasting hotdogs over a fire pit, making s’mores, or simply gathering around a fire with some good company. But before you do, you should know the regulations put in place by the city.

Remember:

• All outdoor fires must be contained in a “portable outdoor fireplace.” Open pits and ground fires are not permitted.
• Fire pits must be placed at least 15 feet away from any building or combustible materials such as fences, decks, and trees.
• Disposable or temporary fire pits must be used on a non-combustible surface like asphalt, concrete, or gravel.
• Fire pits should be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall.
• Burning plywood, lumber, pallets, or other garbage is prohibited.
• Open fires are not allowed on days with winds over 15 mph due to the risk of fire spreading.

General Safety Tips for Grills and Fire Pits

Aside from the specific regulations put in place by the City of Chicago and your condo association, there are some general safety precautions you should follow when using a grill or a fire pit. Not only will these tips reduce the risk to you, but they will reduce the risk to your property and the condo community.

General Grill Safety Tips for Condo Residents:

• Keep the grill clean to prevent grease fires.
• Regularly inspect your grill for damage or wear.
• Avoid using gasoline or other flammable liquids to start the grill.
• Use lighter fluid sparingly and never on a lit grill.
• Keep grills away from combustible materials such as deck railings and overhanging branches.
• Always supervise children around the grill.
• Extinguish the fire completely before leaving.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby in case of emergencies.
• Do not use water to extinguish grease fires; this can cause the fire to spread.

General Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Use only dry, seasoned wood in your fire pit.
• Avoid using accelerants like gasoline.
• Never leave your fire unattended, and keep a water source nearby.
• Douse the fire with water and stir ashes until cool before disposal.
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, not in the garbage can.
• Regularly check your fire pit for cracks or damage.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can enjoy a safe grilling season while ensuring the safety of your condo community.

When in doubt, contact your condo association for information or to review the association’s governing documents. These details will help you avoid fines and ensure the safety of everyone around you.

For support with these or other association management needs, reach out to Hales Property Management. We can support your association and ensure things run smoothly, providing everything from dedicated operations to web portal access that includes association documents and reports. From financial management to a reliable network of contractors, Hales Property Management has you covered! Request a proposal today.