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TomT3 (Florida)
Posts: 4
Posted:
Does any one know what the restrictions are on having a an electric BBQ grill on your condo porch or balcony? I know gas grills are not allowed, but electric? Not sure what the FL statues say about this, but will try to research. However, I thought may be one of y'all have already researched that topic. Thanks. Tom in Panama City Beach, FL
PitA
Posts: 1,416
Posted:
A grease fire is a grease fire is a grease fire.

NO GRILL should be under or within 10' of a flammable surface.

A gas grill is PARTICULARY dangerous because of the possibility of explosion in the event of fire, whether from itself OR another cause, such as a building fire.

So, an electric grill, while safer than a gas model, is still NOT SAFE on a balcony.

Simply ask your local Fire Marshal or your insurer.

I suggest you ask BOTH.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Can't say about FL, and gas also not allowed in CA condo balconies. In CA, electric grills are allowed on our high rise balconies.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Can't say about FL, and gas also not allowed in CA condo balconies. In CA, electric grills are allowed on our high rise balconies.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
PitA's right. Check with your local fire marshall. He's the one who prohibited gas here a couple of years ago, and I think he was following CA statutes.

PitA's also right about grease fires. Suddenly we've had 2 in the past few weeks with no damage to our concrete and steel construction. But...still... Our Board just learned of these and our PM is checking into what we might do to prevent, or should we ban, now, electric grills?
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
I would think electric grills would be ok, as opposed to open flames caused by gas or charcoal grills, but you can check with the fire marshal.

If you set any rules, insist homeowners have fire extinguishers that can put out electrical fires and make sure they install outdoor electric outlets with weatherproof covers (at the homeowner's expense of course) instead of running a bunch of extension cords throughout the condo. And remind them to keep children and pets away from the thing - and they will be held responsible for any damage caused to the common area (including neighboring units) if their abuse, misuse or neglect of the grill causes a fire.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Good points, Sheila. I'm thinking that unless the condos are very old, they have covered outlets on their balconies. And in our HOA, nothing that penetrates the walls of these areas would be permitted by our Arch. Control Committee.

And it is the case that any damage their grill causes would be the unit owners' responsibility.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
I grilled out once on my 2nd floor balcony when I lived in an apartment. It was a BAD idea. I ended up with grease all over the window screens. It was a mess. Plus a possible fire hazard and dangerous situation. Not enough room between it and rail/walls. Would never do it again.

Fire marshal is the best resource on this question.

Former HOA President
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SheliaH on 06/04/2016 5:10 PM

check with the fire marshal.

Best answer.
TomT3 (Florida)
Posts: 4
Posted:
Thanks everyone for responding. I found out that the state of Florida mandates that all local governments adopt all national Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and requirements.Thus, at the end of 2011, electric grills could no longer be used on condo balcony's, just light gas grills can not. Bummer!

thanks for the input.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
It may have the same zing, but I also use a stovetop smoker (about the size of a large dutch oven) if it's too cold or wet (or both!) and I have a hankering for BBQ (although I have pushed aside the snow, brought out the grill and kept it moving!)

Since these grills CAN be used on porches (not balconies), I would still suggest that the board establish some ground rules like the ones I mentioned above, adding rules requiring grills be set up several feet away from the building and not leaving it unattended under any circumstances. I suspect electric grills were nixed for the same reasons as gas grills - people tend to forget the stuff is outside cooking, use the wrong thing to put out any fires, ran extension cords everywhere, etc.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

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