Coop & Condo grilling tips

If you're planning on grilling this Fourth of July, make sure you're aware of your property's grilling rules. In a single-family home with a garden, there are many more options than there are in an apartment building, including a coop or condo. In New York City, the NYC Fuel Gas Code §623 and the NYC Fire Code §307.5 strictly regulate the use of grills. Here are the most popular types of grills and guidance to stay safe and compliant in New York City:

1. Charcoal grills are the most common and popular type of grill. They make a great traditional all-American barbecue with hotdogs and hamburgers. They're easy to set up and don't require any extra equipment. However, charcoal grills are not allowed on balconies or roofs and can't be too close to the building. There must be a 10-foot clearance between the grill and the building walls, fixtures, and furniture. Charcoal grills need to be accompanied by access to a fire extinguisher or water supply like a garden hose.

2. Gas grills are also popular, but they're not as common as charcoal grills. Gas grills are allowed on balconies and on terraces, but they must be installed by a Licensed Master Plumber and inspected and tested per the NYC Fuel Gas Code. Commercial gas grills are not allowed in residential buildings. Since installing a gas grill is a bit of a hassle, combining it with a kitchen renovation can be an ideal solution.

3. Propane grills are allowed in 1-2 family homes. In New York City apartment buildings greater than 2 units, it is illegal to store a standard backyard propane barbecue on a balcony, roof deck, roof, rear yard, or courtyard. However, a smaller than standard propane tank can be used for short periods of time provided that it is not stored there.

4. Electric grills are the least common type of grill even though they are some of the easiest to use. These are the George Foreman-type of grills, and these are even allowed on balconies. They don’t generally provide grill marks and barbeque flavors as they don’t get as high heat as the grills with flames. As electric grills are gaining popularity, some brands have developed electric grills with much higher temperatures that resemble ‘traditional’ grills. Be careful when using an electric grill since grease can drip into the heating coils and ignite.

Despite us occasionally seeing people barbecuing on sidewalks or streets, this is illegal in New York City. So is grilling on a fire escape.

This overview of the types of grills allowed in New York City should help you stay safe and compliant while still celebrating this Fourth of July. No matter what grill you use, having access to a fire extinguisher, water hose, or sand is always recommended. Make sure to check with your property management company and your coop or condo’s house rules for more specific information about the rules in your building.

Happy Fourth of July! And as always, be careful when using any type of grill!

At The Folson Group, our goal is to help every coop and condo owner increase their property values while living in a building that is safer, more sustainable, and more affordable. Get one of our FREE TOOLS, the board policies and procedures checklist, and email us at info@thefolsongroup.com or call (917) 648-8154.