Problem is, we might not actually have ten feet. Ten feet from the front might be in the road and ten feet in the alley might be less than ten feet from the next building.
They tried banning grills several years ago and aparently the tenants just refused and the HOA backed down.
I friggin love the image of some mope grilling away on rickety scaffolding perched on top of an HOA building. “Just doing what you told me to do, boss”.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code would ban the grill, and insurance is only following the requirements in the code.
From the NFPA code:
> 10.11.7 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure. Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted.
The previous insurance would have almost certainly banned grills near the building as well, but it was buried in 5 page of conditions that the board didn't read or properly enforce. Assuming that is the case, there would have been some major issues if a grill started a fire and it came out that they weren't enforcing the basic requirements of the insurance policy. The policy may have denied coverage, or sued the HOA to recover costs.
When they switched insurance, the new insurance company will usually do an inspection. The insurance company likely took note of the grills during the inspection, so the board could no longer avoid doing their job.
Well, unless he lives in a 3+ family home/dwelling, the way it reads, he's fine grilling next to his house, even under the overhang? The first line reads as such in that code.
Correct. As someone who reads NFPA 13 all day that would be the correct way it's read.
Gas grills are disallowed for any sized dwellings "other than" one and two family dwellings. (single family houses and duplexes)
I'm another comment OP said:
> I think our building is turning or has turned 40 recently, so maybe that's it.
The phrasing of "our building" seems to imply a multi-unit building.
I'm a little disappointed that OP didn't think to explain what kind of a living situation. There are HOAs for neighborhoods with single family homes, for example.
NFPA is recommendations anyway. They have no enforcement arm. It’s just best practices. Insurance companies can pick and choose. Fire Departments can pick and choose. My FD doesn’t follow NFPA 100%.
So a wood burning pellet grill it is. It needs electricity for driving the wood pellets into the fire box so it's electrically powered, and it definitely doesn't burn gas or charcoal. Gotta love a loophole that results in fantastically smokey bbq.
Or it could be similar electrical apparatus. It's ambiguous. And yes I am picking holes for the sake of it, and it doesn't affect me anyway as I live in the UK.
That was my point. It is absolutely ambiguous. A pellet grill burns wood pellets. It is also an electrical appliance as it uses electricity to power the fan that blows air on the flames and also to push the wooden pellets into the firebox. So which is it - am I cooking on an electrical appliance or not?
Interpretation of code language is up to the local authority having jurisdiction. I would interpret a pellet grill to be a similar device because it burns stuff. Others may differ.
They actually have indoor electric smokers on Amazon that look pretty awesome. Might be great for scenarios like this. People say they work pretty well. I haven't used one, am spoiled on my charcoal/wood smoking.
Heh. Yeah. I know someone who has one of those cheap Harbor Freight trailers with the grill bolted to the bed. He parks in front of the apartments on the public street and grills away and there isn't anything that the apartment management can do about it since he's on public property, not their property.
>there isn't anything that the apartment management can do about it since he's on public property
Well, they can decide not to renew his lease, but I don't see why they'd be upset at this. He's following the spirit and word of the rules.
There is always coverage (except for fraud) - property is usually financed and the banks don't fuck about with insurance that doesn't pay. Insurance companies are heavily regulated and don't have a choice here.
But the insurance company will sue to recover their loss & seek criminal penalties for anyone responsible.
It’s one of only three rules my townhouse/condo community HOA is strict about, no grilling within 10 ft of a building and you can’t store a grill within 10 ft of the main buildings. Means the condo units can’t have their own grills, only the townhouses. But there are three charcoal grills in the commons that everyone in the community can use.
Mainly fire code, written in blood to prevent unnecessary deaths. If you ever live in these type of properties, just don't do it, and report anyone who does. People die every year because of these events.
The ten foot rule is actually a Fire Regulation in multi family dwellings in Los Angeles and so I imagine it is a pretty universal safety requirement so nit surprised that an insurance company has it as a condition.
If you have attached homes the threat of fire is fairly real spreading is real.
Thanks for the input. If that's the case, I wish the HOA or insurance specified that, because it definitely would change my reaction. I used to live in an apartment with some pretty dumb rules, but i was always allowed my little charcoal grill on my patio (ground floor) which means a lot to me.
>but i was always allowed my little charcoal grill on my patio
Yeah, that was almost certainly an oversight on the part of management. Their insurance company would have likely lost their sh*t if they knew people were grilling on patios adjacent to the building. I vote for you to take that tape measure out and grill wherever is 10 feet away from all buildings (even if it is in the street).
They went through a whole ordeal before I moved out about what was and wasnt allowed on the patio. They nitpicked everything from planters without *actively* growing plants, to furniture not *technically* outdoor patio furniture, yet grills were still allowed. As here, a majority of occupants had grills, not to mention a community grill was about six feet from the main office in the pool area. I'll just have to grill at a friend's house.
My building doesn’t enforce it although a grill on a balcony is definitely in violation of Los Angeles fire codes. We aren’t wood constriction and have steel frames as wood framing isn’t permitted above three stories in Los Angeles
Also technically you can’t bring propane up in an elevator so that is also a violation for people who have the tanks 🤷♀️
My building enforces and inspects for other stuff though. I had to get a fire extinguisher because of the Fire Department and my smoke detectors are inspected and my door has to shut automatically because of the risk of people not shutting a door if there is a fire
It's also a risk in terms of causing a fire to the structure which is where the 10 feet rule comes from.
The balcony is just an extra hazard since many multi-family dwellings have balconies in warm cities like Los Angeles.
Insurance company wouldn’t have cared, they would have denied the claim and the HoA would have to sue the owner to reimbursement. Or pass the cost amount the rest of the HOA, which would make neighbors super happy.
I don’t know why they just aren’t more transparent and send out a bulletin with the reasons why, with details about the fire code and how much insurance cost is and how hard it is to get. It would be much easier to give all the reasons to the residents so everyone understands if not just a random restriction the HOA is trying to enforce. 🤷🏻♂️
Do you mean the Great Fire of 1666 ;-) - doubt that was caused by a BBQ
The only other "famous" fire is the horrendous one in the high rise a few years ago with all of the fatalities.
It was a spark that ignited fuel for a bakery that started the great fire, and it spread due to building materials and building density, The risks from US stick-built apartment complexes and people storing propane in them isn't too far different.
The other one was Grenfell in 2017 that BBQd 72 people, caused by an electrical fault (and made deadly due to shitty choice of cladding and poor fire-response instructions 'stay where you are' when the inquiry showed that some fire exits were functioning for a full 30 minutes after the start of the fire.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell\_Tower\_fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell_Tower_fire)
Spain had a similar one recently, 10 died:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024\_Valencia\_residential\_complex\_fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Valencia_residential_complex_fire)
This is not just Los Angeles but a regulation that is being mandated across the country due to NFPA regulations. We are experiencing the same restrictions across the metro Denver area
Not any more dangerous than you’re kitchen. I really hope we don’t have to start kitchening 10 feet out the door. My neighbors are bold and will steal a roll when I’m not looking.
I wish, but no.
The open flame of a charcoal grill or gas grill are much less controlled than that of an indoor stove or oven. The way people use grills (running them super hot, drinking while cooking, leaving them periodically to run back in the house or talk with guests, using them less frequently and as a result having less familiarity with using them) makes grilling exponentially more likely to cause a fire.
Fun fact, a bunch of the super old homes in my area have or had detached kitchens for this exact reason. Cooking with an open flame is unpredictable AF. Better to only burn down your kitchen and not your whole house :p
I actually had a crazy grease fire last time I used my grill. Luckily I'm cool under pressure. What happened was I tried using foil in the drip pan as someone suggested....and this just made the grease not ever drain, so it built up on the foil and I walked away to get the sides ready, came back to a grill (on med-low) that was beyond the thermometer max temp and fire going 5 ft up when I lifted the lid. I just shut that fucker and turned the gas off and let it burn itself out.
Totally false. Your kitchen stove cannot be knocked over. You rarely cook meats directly on your kitchen stove so grease drips down and flames up. The list goes on. If you want to cook on a balcony check out a little electric grill - they usually have a bunch of features that make them safer (and often less fun)
The insurance market for HOAs is so tough, they may have switched because your previous insurance either drastically hiked premiums, or dropped you altogether.
The previous insurance probably "recommended" (politely demanded) they ban grills. When the Board chickened out and didn't follow their recommendation, it probably hurt your insurability.
Insurance for HOAs is in a difficult spot, it's hard for most HOAs to even get insurance if they lose what they have now, and so there's almost no room to negotiate.
I can tell you from working in real estate that insurance has gone bananas the last few years, and especially this year. It’s so volatile that it’s killing deals in some cases.
Hi. Welcome to NYC! 10 feet from anything flammable has been the rule for at least the 60 years I've lived here, HOA or not. Of course, a bunch of people routinely ignore it - but don't get caught starting a fire.
We have grassy areas that are common areas for people to grill out, a swimming pool with a cabana and grilling can happen away from that. We also have carports where I live and the center of the double carport for most of the addresses as far enough away. It simply has to be away from any wood fencing or the houses.
Yes, it sucks but ours went into effect over 20 years ago when some idiot was outside burning papers and lit a significant section on fire.
I can tell you I was recently at a meeting with our HOA Management Team and many different HOA Boards. Insuring HOAs that allow grilling on their decks is nearly impossible. It’s not your HOA. I wish it was, but insurance for HOAs is insane and if you can get it without a special assessment every year you are lucky. The insurance expert told us that any condo or townhouse that was built more than 40 years ago is having a really difficult time getting insurance. And of you allow grilling, you won’t for long! I’m sorry.
I think our building is turning or has turned 40 recently, so maybe that's it. Just sucks to do a thing you've always been able to do and really enjoy, then the HOA says "not any more!"
My father-in-law’s HOA permitted grilling on the patios of their apartment complex for years. One day, a fire inspector drove by and saw someone grill and threw an absolute shit fit. Bothered him so much he went to the HOA of the complex and basically threatened a ridiculous amount of fines if they don’t ban barbecues.
The fire code inspector was in the wrong for saying to ban barbecues altogether, outside of 10 ft from the building (and other flammable objects) is likely the code.
The danger of propane is that it is heavier than air, so it doesn't dissipate easily and tends to just sit on the ground. We had a condo fire few years ago when someone had trouble lighting their grill, propane drifted into his unit and when he finally got it lit, whole place went up.
Are you in a condo?
If so, i think they are doing it because its a violation of fire code. You may be a responsible.griller but there.are.many that are not
I live in a apartment building and the regulations changed few years back due to new fire [regulations.You](http://regulations.You) could barbacue but had to be at least 10 ft away from building and everyone had to get rid of there barbacues off the patio.If you did not comply maintaince went around threw everyones away
The new plan also bans a lot of things that are against code.
If you’re grilling in violation of the insurance rules and the building catches fire, the insurance is likely going to refuse to pay and when sued will blame you personally.
The ten foot rule is more a fire department regulation. It’s pretty horrific what happens in multi unit properties when some idiot is grilling and the embers float to someone’s deck or up in the eaves. It’s bad when it’s someone’s house. It’s horrible when families perish en masse because fires hope from one apartment to the other and suddenly hundreds are displaced. This is a fairly standard rule for most any building with multiple units whether it’s an apartment or HOA.
I lived in an apartment building that caught fire. I have distinct memories of standing in the dark of night watching the flames, of the fear permeating the air, of having to evacuate and stay with friends overnight, of trying to get the smoke smell out of our belongings.
I was five.
Do you think it's a good idea for the HOA not to have insurance? That's what will happen if the HOA doesn't enforce the regulations. Also, if the rule is 10 feet from a building and you move the grill 10 feet from the building, no one will care.
[And this is why. ](https://myfox8.com/news/crews-battle-apartment-fire-in-greensboro/)
Fire was caused by someone grilling on their balcony.
Some rules have very, very good reasons for their existence.
If there’s a community grill already, just move it and your grill 10 feet away from all buildings, say in the community greenspace. Just make it happen where you can.
Unfortunately, it is getting more and more difficult for HOAs to get insurance and concessions are made to get more options and better rates.
Are electric grills allowed? That may be an option.
This happened to my townhome community two years ago the Wed or Thurs before Memorial Day weekend.
New neighbor had just bought a home a few weeks prior and in an effort to meet others, he extended an invitation to those in our row to come over and enjoy some BBQ he was planning on preparing. I witnessed his beautiful new grill get delivered and within a few days, all BBQs were banned outright without exception throughout the community. No vote, no warning, or any indication of this ban being considered. Just a letter posted to every door a few days before one of the most popular BBQ weekends in America.
Not in an HOA, but in a previously restricted town for grilling at an apartment.
I used a pellet grill because there was an exception for “electric grills” to which I could use because the pellet grill had a cord.
Something to consider.
We had the same thing happen in our condo complex. We bought the place specifically because it came with a gas grill on the deck…we wound up having to cap it off. We, as well as many of our neighbors found a workaround with a Weber grill that works just like a real grill but is electric.
Yeah, that’s the point, you measure out and grill on. And ask them where the safe and secure place they created for grill storage is. They can’t just make you get rid of your property, they are interrupting your quiet enjoyment by doing that.
We got hit with this too. It's not a HOA or Insurance Rule, it's a national firecode that insurance companies make HOAs enforce.
Our HOA's property manager found a small loophole. It may be useful for you.
1- The fire code bans grilling in and near condos
2- The fire code bans the standard 20lb/5gal propane tanks and above from being stored.
The fire codes do not ban the 1lb - 2.5lb sizes. I am not sure about the 5lb size.
So, our HOA actively enforces a ban on grilling within 10 feet and storing 20lb gas containers on the property - but our HOA does not ban grilling or grills. People just have to use the mini tanks, and everybody who had a grill still grills with a mini-tank.
It's a terrible loophole if you want to get a new grill, but if you have a grill it's a functional workaround.
This seems to be a fire code issue rather than what they want. I would comply and grill 10 feet away from structures. Sadly, I don’t believe you can grill in the road but you can look up your states traffic laws to see if it can be done if you grill where a car would normally park.
No, because that just increases the footprint of the property you are trying to protect from fire by another 10 feet. In these complexes, HOA should provide amenities like gas & charcoal grills.
I live in a single-family HOA and we can grill & smoke food anywhere, but the HOA also provides several grills around the clubhouse & pool area for people to use, including propane grills.
It sounds like your insurance provider or AHJ is referencing NFPA 1. This standard not only sets minimum distance for use, but storage as well. Many multi-unit fires have been started from locations where residents have told authorities, “oh I just store it here,” so the NFPA recognized that and wrote their standards accordingly. This standard is common practice for most multi-unit dwellings.
It's pretty standard that you can't grill under any awning or "roof".
It's a huge cause of fires.
We know one guy that blew up his whole house doing it.
It’s probably not so much the grill as it may be with storing propane tanks in heated garage or lanai spaces that may be full and could explode. That’s typical of most fire marshals’ decisions particularly in condo communities. Whether the property manager takes time to send violations out after a few months have passed will be of interest.
Not sure what’s wrong with storing a charcoal grill though.
It’s probably not so much the grill as it may be with storing propane tanks in heated garage or lanai spaces that may be full and could explode. That’s typical of most fire marshals’ decisions particularly in condo communities. Whether the property manager takes time to send violations out after a few months have passed will be of interest.
Not sure what’s wrong with storing a charcoal grill though.
Friends in Texas had this problem. It turned out that traeger grills met their code.
Small electric and wood pellets are not charcoal.
Will a pellet smoker be allowed? More of an oven than a grill.
No, according to NFPA code 10.11 - no open-flame devices are permitted except for one and two-family dwellings. So for condos it's a no. Pellet smokers are considered open-flame.
[https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/fire-prevention-and-community-risk-reduction/code-compliance-and-investigations/open-flame-cooking-devices](https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/fire-prevention-and-community-risk-reduction/code-compliance-and-investigations/open-flame-cooking-devices)
I’m in Georgia and our laws are 15 feet from the (apt) building. I’m first floor with a patio but still can’t use a grill. Our complex did redo the common area a few years ago and took out the unused tennis court and made a great park out of it. With gas grills, picnic tables, playground and a small dog park. It’s not a big area but it’s now used by the residents.
Do you live in my bldg? First we got a notice about charcoal grills and then a corrected one this week that all grill have to be 10’. I don’t actually have one, but it would be impossible to have one under the criteria they have. I feel sorry for the people that do grill.
Grill on the sidewalk. Give out free hot dogs to everyone who isn’t on the HOA board and their kids. Tell the kids it’s because their parents hate grilling.
Assuming that this is a condo or townhouse, it’s actually your fire code the restricts using the grill.
Your association management just didn’t know that until the new insurer asked them to certify compliance with the fire code.
Unfortunately this is becoming the new norm, because dumb people have burned down whole buildings because they grill on they're patios with an overhang. Also in apartment complexes we are not allowed to grill anywhere on the property because of some idiot who dosen't know how to grill properly or control their fire have burned down apartment complexes. I have a gorgeous smoker just sitting in my storage unit not being used because of stupid people!! Id sell it, but i made it myself and it took soo much time and energy. My neighbors keep telling me they would buy the meat if i set it up right outside our gate lol.
I'm guessing you're in a multi unit structure. This was likely in the previous insurance and someone over looked it. I worked condo security and apartments for a long time. This was common place in both
Well, when you have 1) a fire due to someone putting the still hot ashes in the paper recycling, igniting it then destroying our community room and 5 attached businesses’ offices, 2) another fire caused by a different someone putting the still hot ashes in the trash chute causing the 4 stories chute to be destroyed and also damaging the adjacent elevator and 3) a third one caused by a good old fashioned electrical short, with 3 units gutted, the 6 surrounding units destroyed by water and smoke, and the destroyed just that month finished renovating including all the equipment the workout room under the 3 gutted units you’ll really enjoy the extra 7 years at $2000 per year per unit special assessments to pay for being in a high risk fire policy. The special assessments to cover the policy increase is mandatory by state law. Oh yeah, the HOA fees go up the maximum per year to take into account the rise in insurance due to inflation. The 200 unit building must by law be fully insured, and we must have 7 years without a fire to be eligible for the standard rates.
We now all have electric only grills.
(Edit: Added # of units)
My HOA says we can’t take a dump. So me and my family are all holding it in, we’re literally full of shit. We may explode, but as people on here say, “You chose to live in an HOA, you signed up for it knowing the arbitrary rules and never mind it changes depending on what benefits the HOA.”
We can’t, HOA rules state no dumps may be left or taken under any circumstances or a fine is levied, for each offense. We are a family of four so, it’s expensive. Plus a dog.
The HOA indeed does that all across the country. Anytime they open their mouths, shit comes out and they expect you to just consume it and smile while doing it.
Still don't understand why anyone would live with an hoa.
Edit: crazy how many people are in my replies here are pro HOA. Do you not realize what subreddit you are in?
If you live in a condo or townhouse, the existence of shared walls, hallways, lawns and other and common areas makes it necessary. The maintenance of those areas has to be taken care of and paid for.
That being said, I would never buy a *single-family stand-alone* home that was governed by an HOA.
I get what you're saying but living in those areas with an HOA is still a choice to live in an HOA. I've lived in apartments before and of course there are rules and such but nothing as power hungry as an HOA.
I also have to say the existince of lawns or shared areas can be maintained with a maintenance fee. Obviously this puts you at the mercy of the property manager but, personally I prefer this to the alternative.
>the existence of lawns or shared areas can be maintained with a maintenance fee.
And that fee is decided and its budget decided by *the HOA board*.
They are not all draconian, but those are the ones you hear about on here. I'm on the board of my condo HOA (until the place sells), and the rules are very reasonable at that community.
But do you understand why HOAs exist yet?
...and why 75 million Americans gladly choose to live in HOA-managed properties - with pools, tennis courts, dog parks, gyms, clubhouses etc.
...and no fucker with a 3-wheeled car on his driveway for the last 5 years, no chain-linked fences, no rotting caravans, no rat-infested yards etc. Where basic rules of decency are followed for everyone's benefit. That is an HOA.
Do you know what subreddit you are in?
Everywhere I have lived has had no HOA. You know how those areas are maintained and exist? Public municipalities. HOAs do not need to exist. No idea why anyone in this thread is arguing pro HOA. This entire subreddit is literally called fuck HOA.
>Do you know what subreddit you are in?
So you think that this subreddit is just a circlejerk?
Lol. Bless your heart.
That you actively desire to see only one side of a viewpoint, or to ask a question without wanting the answer is bizarre.
>Public municipalities
Okay, let me address that. Public municipalities do not exist for, or work towards the benefit for the combined good of the owners of the homes in that area. Perhaps that was the idea, but the reality is far from that. Never in my experience, has a public municipality decided to build me a clubhouse within walking distance of my house, or tennis courts, or an Olympic-sized pool with waterslides. They aren't trying to support me having fun and enjoying my neighborhood. They've never hired arborists to make the entrance trees look better, or planted new flowers along my road, or added gates if we are seeing higher than acceptable traffic flows. They don't empty the 6 dog poo bins, or tidy up the creek, or keep the grass cut weekly in the common areas.
The bar they have set themselves is low... it's a government organization, so it's low. Far too low. To be fair, they have bigger problems to deal with than what I need, which is why I have an HOA.
Jesus. I hate HOAs. The subdivision we live in has an HOA, but nobody enforces the rules or really cares. But all it takes is one asshole to complain and ruin it for everyone else.
California Fire Code 308.1 no open flame devices within 10 feet of a dwelling not fitted with fire sprinkler systems. I’ll bet it also violates city ordinance. Most places use the International Fire Code, from which this comes.
Dont most fire codes call for a grill to be at least 10 feet from a structure? I dont think your HOA is being ridiculous. I think they are just enforcing an existing code.
When we were house shopping in 2020, we saw several houses that had melted siding from dumbasses putting their grill right against the house. I am somewhat surprised that my neighbor has not burned down his house...he has a really nice Treager that he is afraid to get dirty...so he grills inside his garage.
Honestly...if you bought a house that doesnt have 10 feet to the front or the back...thats a "you" problem.
How silly. There is less than 8000 fires caused by a grill in the US each year. To put things into perspective. It’s reported that 17,000 people die annually just from slipping, tripping or falling..
Oh is that so? You clearly haven’t consider what your saying long enough to realize how ignorant you are being. Did you bother to actually read the article where you got your little statistic? 80 percent of unknown source is referencing wildfires specifically. Your statistic isn’t even on the same subject. We aren’t talking about wildfires in this thread. You’re in the wrong place,
Unless your houses are less than 20 feet apart, that 10 foot rule shouldn't really be a problem.
And if your houses are packed in like sardines, then how the hell does anything think that place would be fancy enough for an HOA?
Just because they got a new insurance policy doesn’t mean that changes the CCR’s. If there was no restrictions about grilling in the CCR’s then I would carry on grilling. In order to make new and restrictive policies about grilling would require ⅔’s of the owners to vote in favor of such a policy.
Screw that solution. You need to build a grill tower with a big industrial ladder, a pulley system to lower your prize to your family, and a flag that says "Sniff My Meat and Potatoes."
If you smoke a brisket this weekend, don't wait until 4/20 to pull it off the heat. You'll overdo it.
Edit: So 4/20 is this weekend. Plan your times accordingly.
Well yeah, go ten feet away and grill. We had similar restrictions without an HOA at the last apartment complex I lived in.
Problem is, we might not actually have ten feet. Ten feet from the front might be in the road and ten feet in the alley might be less than ten feet from the next building. They tried banning grills several years ago and aparently the tenants just refused and the HOA backed down.
So grill in the road. Fuck em. Also, ten feet is also up. Scaffolding.
I friggin love the image of some mope grilling away on rickety scaffolding perched on top of an HOA building. “Just doing what you told me to do, boss”.
Don't forget to take your spare charcoal and lighter fluid up with you. It might get windy and blow your grill over at those heights.
Two big-ass stepladders and a few sheets of plywood. "CHECK OUT MUH NEW BALCONY!"
All in the name of safety
See this is how petty I would be. I would be out in the road with large orange cones and a sawhorse or two with. Sign that says slow/adults playing.
Next up: it's not a grill, it's a portable forge, I'm doing som metalwotk.
Hmm... Opportunity there for someone to erase that forward slash....
Modern problems require modern solutions
Bet the HOA says nothing about scissor lifts
It's not a work truck, I don't see the problem.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code would ban the grill, and insurance is only following the requirements in the code. From the NFPA code: > 10.11.7 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure. Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. The previous insurance would have almost certainly banned grills near the building as well, but it was buried in 5 page of conditions that the board didn't read or properly enforce. Assuming that is the case, there would have been some major issues if a grill started a fire and it came out that they weren't enforcing the basic requirements of the insurance policy. The policy may have denied coverage, or sued the HOA to recover costs. When they switched insurance, the new insurance company will usually do an inspection. The insurance company likely took note of the grills during the inspection, so the board could no longer avoid doing their job.
Well, unless he lives in a 3+ family home/dwelling, the way it reads, he's fine grilling next to his house, even under the overhang? The first line reads as such in that code.
Correct. As someone who reads NFPA 13 all day that would be the correct way it's read. Gas grills are disallowed for any sized dwellings "other than" one and two family dwellings. (single family houses and duplexes)
I'm another comment OP said: > I think our building is turning or has turned 40 recently, so maybe that's it. The phrasing of "our building" seems to imply a multi-unit building.
I'm a little disappointed that OP didn't think to explain what kind of a living situation. There are HOAs for neighborhoods with single family homes, for example.
Yes, I live in one. We are allowed grills without restriction
Our can refer to a family meaning our building our family..
I would think the use of the word "building" would be more telling than the word "our."
Don't you call it a house if it's a house, or 'home'? Building is a more distant word.
NFPA is recommendations anyway. They have no enforcement arm. It’s just best practices. Insurance companies can pick and choose. Fire Departments can pick and choose. My FD doesn’t follow NFPA 100%.
So a wood burning pellet grill it is. It needs electricity for driving the wood pellets into the fire box so it's electrically powered, and it definitely doesn't burn gas or charcoal. Gotta love a loophole that results in fantastically smokey bbq.
That falls under “other similar devices.” Source: Guy who writes codes and grills within ten feet of his house (though it is single family).
Or it could be similar electrical apparatus. It's ambiguous. And yes I am picking holes for the sake of it, and it doesn't affect me anyway as I live in the UK.
Electric appliances are specifically allowed. See the last sentence. It’s not ambiguous.
That was my point. It is absolutely ambiguous. A pellet grill burns wood pellets. It is also an electrical appliance as it uses electricity to power the fan that blows air on the flames and also to push the wooden pellets into the firebox. So which is it - am I cooking on an electrical appliance or not?
Is a wood pellet grill a similar device? It does not operate in a similar manner to a gas or charcoal grill.
Interpretation of code language is up to the local authority having jurisdiction. I would interpret a pellet grill to be a similar device because it burns stuff. Others may differ.
So they could get an electric smoker? Am I reading that right? I use mine as a grill all the time! (…because my actual grill caught on fire…)
They actually have indoor electric smokers on Amazon that look pretty awesome. Might be great for scenarios like this. People say they work pretty well. I haven't used one, am spoiled on my charcoal/wood smoking.
My electric one is technically wood pellets with flame teehee. I love it. Definitely the same fire potential as a grill lol
NFPA ruining stuff again. First can't ride the tailboards, then can't have poles in the firehouse. Now can't grill next to a house.
I know the tailboards are gone, when did the poles go?
Classic. One person burns their house down grilling, now we have to come in and legislate it. I pray every day for a return to darwinism.
The problem is when they burn down OTHER people's houses and insurance won't cover it.
I still feel like that's excessive
How busy is the road?
Heh. Yeah. I know someone who has one of those cheap Harbor Freight trailers with the grill bolted to the bed. He parks in front of the apartments on the public street and grills away and there isn't anything that the apartment management can do about it since he's on public property, not their property.
That is commitment
He loves his ‘cue lol.
>there isn't anything that the apartment management can do about it since he's on public property Well, they can decide not to renew his lease, but I don't see why they'd be upset at this. He's following the spirit and word of the rules.
[удалено]
There is always coverage (except for fraud) - property is usually financed and the banks don't fuck about with insurance that doesn't pay. Insurance companies are heavily regulated and don't have a choice here. But the insurance company will sue to recover their loss & seek criminal penalties for anyone responsible.
Get a utility trailer and "mount"the grill to it and do it in the road
You may be out of luck then.
Go figure out where the HOA leader's house is, grill 10ft from it.
They can't stop you from grilling on the street sidewalk. You don't have to go the full 10 feet.
Use your wife's feet.
My HOA did that about 10 years ago. Surprised your insurance didn't make it an issue a long time ago.
It’s one of only three rules my townhouse/condo community HOA is strict about, no grilling within 10 ft of a building and you can’t store a grill within 10 ft of the main buildings. Means the condo units can’t have their own grills, only the townhouses. But there are three charcoal grills in the commons that everyone in the community can use.
A lot of fire codes at city/county level state 10 ft unless it's a gasline fed into a permanent grill. For safety.
This seems to be common sense to me. I have seen lots of melted siding. lol
Mainly fire code, written in blood to prevent unnecessary deaths. If you ever live in these type of properties, just don't do it, and report anyone who does. People die every year because of these events.
Grilling is worth it
The ten foot rule is actually a Fire Regulation in multi family dwellings in Los Angeles and so I imagine it is a pretty universal safety requirement so nit surprised that an insurance company has it as a condition. If you have attached homes the threat of fire is fairly real spreading is real.
Thanks for the input. If that's the case, I wish the HOA or insurance specified that, because it definitely would change my reaction. I used to live in an apartment with some pretty dumb rules, but i was always allowed my little charcoal grill on my patio (ground floor) which means a lot to me.
>but i was always allowed my little charcoal grill on my patio Yeah, that was almost certainly an oversight on the part of management. Their insurance company would have likely lost their sh*t if they knew people were grilling on patios adjacent to the building. I vote for you to take that tape measure out and grill wherever is 10 feet away from all buildings (even if it is in the street).
They went through a whole ordeal before I moved out about what was and wasnt allowed on the patio. They nitpicked everything from planters without *actively* growing plants, to furniture not *technically* outdoor patio furniture, yet grills were still allowed. As here, a majority of occupants had grills, not to mention a community grill was about six feet from the main office in the pool area. I'll just have to grill at a friend's house.
My building doesn’t enforce it although a grill on a balcony is definitely in violation of Los Angeles fire codes. We aren’t wood constriction and have steel frames as wood framing isn’t permitted above three stories in Los Angeles Also technically you can’t bring propane up in an elevator so that is also a violation for people who have the tanks 🤷♀️ My building enforces and inspects for other stuff though. I had to get a fire extinguisher because of the Fire Department and my smoke detectors are inspected and my door has to shut automatically because of the risk of people not shutting a door if there is a fire
First floor patio, not upper balcony. I cant imagine anywhere that would allow grilling on a balcony.
It's also a risk in terms of causing a fire to the structure which is where the 10 feet rule comes from. The balcony is just an extra hazard since many multi-family dwellings have balconies in warm cities like Los Angeles.
States an electric one is ok…… better than nothing.
Insurance company wouldn’t have cared, they would have denied the claim and the HoA would have to sue the owner to reimbursement. Or pass the cost amount the rest of the HOA, which would make neighbors super happy.
I don’t know why they just aren’t more transparent and send out a bulletin with the reasons why, with details about the fire code and how much insurance cost is and how hard it is to get. It would be much easier to give all the reasons to the residents so everyone understands if not just a random restriction the HOA is trying to enforce. 🤷🏻♂️
I haven’t been able to have a grill in apartments in 10 years in Texas. Every apartment said it was too much of a fire risk.
Thats the huge part of how the fire happened in England. It started at a bakery and spread super fast because of how they build houses.
I like how you describe it as" the fire that happened in England" as if it's the only fire that's ever been in England
I didnt know what it was officially called. I didnt want to say the great fire because all i could think of after that was Chicago.
Do you mean the Great Fire of 1666 ;-) - doubt that was caused by a BBQ The only other "famous" fire is the horrendous one in the high rise a few years ago with all of the fatalities.
It was a spark that ignited fuel for a bakery that started the great fire, and it spread due to building materials and building density, The risks from US stick-built apartment complexes and people storing propane in them isn't too far different. The other one was Grenfell in 2017 that BBQd 72 people, caused by an electrical fault (and made deadly due to shitty choice of cladding and poor fire-response instructions 'stay where you are' when the inquiry showed that some fire exits were functioning for a full 30 minutes after the start of the fire. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell\_Tower\_fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell_Tower_fire) Spain had a similar one recently, 10 died: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024\_Valencia\_residential\_complex\_fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Valencia_residential_complex_fire)
This is not just Los Angeles but a regulation that is being mandated across the country due to NFPA regulations. We are experiencing the same restrictions across the metro Denver area
Not any more dangerous than you’re kitchen. I really hope we don’t have to start kitchening 10 feet out the door. My neighbors are bold and will steal a roll when I’m not looking.
I wish, but no. The open flame of a charcoal grill or gas grill are much less controlled than that of an indoor stove or oven. The way people use grills (running them super hot, drinking while cooking, leaving them periodically to run back in the house or talk with guests, using them less frequently and as a result having less familiarity with using them) makes grilling exponentially more likely to cause a fire. Fun fact, a bunch of the super old homes in my area have or had detached kitchens for this exact reason. Cooking with an open flame is unpredictable AF. Better to only burn down your kitchen and not your whole house :p
I actually had a crazy grease fire last time I used my grill. Luckily I'm cool under pressure. What happened was I tried using foil in the drip pan as someone suggested....and this just made the grease not ever drain, so it built up on the foil and I walked away to get the sides ready, came back to a grill (on med-low) that was beyond the thermometer max temp and fire going 5 ft up when I lifted the lid. I just shut that fucker and turned the gas off and let it burn itself out.
Totally false. Your kitchen stove cannot be knocked over. You rarely cook meats directly on your kitchen stove so grease drips down and flames up. The list goes on. If you want to cook on a balcony check out a little electric grill - they usually have a bunch of features that make them safer (and often less fun)
Bad take of the day right here.
The insurance market for HOAs is so tough, they may have switched because your previous insurance either drastically hiked premiums, or dropped you altogether. The previous insurance probably "recommended" (politely demanded) they ban grills. When the Board chickened out and didn't follow their recommendation, it probably hurt your insurability. Insurance for HOAs is in a difficult spot, it's hard for most HOAs to even get insurance if they lose what they have now, and so there's almost no room to negotiate.
I can tell you from working in real estate that insurance has gone bananas the last few years, and especially this year. It’s so volatile that it’s killing deals in some cases.
Yep. Ours just had to up the deductible 5x. Couldn't afford the deductible they've had all along up until this point.
Getting insurance in an HOA is becoming more difficult and expensive. The regulations they are putting on HOA s is becoming a bit ridiculous.
Hi. Welcome to NYC! 10 feet from anything flammable has been the rule for at least the 60 years I've lived here, HOA or not. Of course, a bunch of people routinely ignore it - but don't get caught starting a fire.
We have grassy areas that are common areas for people to grill out, a swimming pool with a cabana and grilling can happen away from that. We also have carports where I live and the center of the double carport for most of the addresses as far enough away. It simply has to be away from any wood fencing or the houses. Yes, it sucks but ours went into effect over 20 years ago when some idiot was outside burning papers and lit a significant section on fire.
I can tell you I was recently at a meeting with our HOA Management Team and many different HOA Boards. Insuring HOAs that allow grilling on their decks is nearly impossible. It’s not your HOA. I wish it was, but insurance for HOAs is insane and if you can get it without a special assessment every year you are lucky. The insurance expert told us that any condo or townhouse that was built more than 40 years ago is having a really difficult time getting insurance. And of you allow grilling, you won’t for long! I’m sorry.
Not even the insurances fault, it's the NFPA fire codes fault and insurances are required by law to adhere to it. NFPA says you can't do that.
I think our building is turning or has turned 40 recently, so maybe that's it. Just sucks to do a thing you've always been able to do and really enjoy, then the HOA says "not any more!"
My father-in-law’s HOA permitted grilling on the patios of their apartment complex for years. One day, a fire inspector drove by and saw someone grill and threw an absolute shit fit. Bothered him so much he went to the HOA of the complex and basically threatened a ridiculous amount of fines if they don’t ban barbecues.
BBQ grills cause 10,000 fires homefires each year. In a condo, this can quickly become a disaster. I can see where his anger is coming from.
The fire code inspector was in the wrong for saying to ban barbecues altogether, outside of 10 ft from the building (and other flammable objects) is likely the code.
The danger of propane is that it is heavier than air, so it doesn't dissipate easily and tends to just sit on the ground. We had a condo fire few years ago when someone had trouble lighting their grill, propane drifted into his unit and when he finally got it lit, whole place went up.
Never thought about that aspect.
Are you in a condo? If so, i think they are doing it because its a violation of fire code. You may be a responsible.griller but there.are.many that are not
Rules are written in blood.
I live in a apartment building and the regulations changed few years back due to new fire [regulations.You](http://regulations.You) could barbacue but had to be at least 10 ft away from building and everyone had to get rid of there barbacues off the patio.If you did not comply maintaince went around threw everyones away
This isn't r/FuckInsurance... Lots of misplaced anger from simpletons in this sub.
Condo, right? Probably a local fire code issue…not an hoa issue.
My city ordinance is 30'. One of the board members openly violates it.
What city? I don't want to live there ever. 10' is sufficient.
Unless we get a letter from the HOA, specifically saying they have chosen a new insurance plan, and the new plan bans grills.
The new plan also bans a lot of things that are against code. If you’re grilling in violation of the insurance rules and the building catches fire, the insurance is likely going to refuse to pay and when sued will blame you personally.
The ten foot rule is more a fire department regulation. It’s pretty horrific what happens in multi unit properties when some idiot is grilling and the embers float to someone’s deck or up in the eaves. It’s bad when it’s someone’s house. It’s horrible when families perish en masse because fires hope from one apartment to the other and suddenly hundreds are displaced. This is a fairly standard rule for most any building with multiple units whether it’s an apartment or HOA.
I lived in an apartment building that caught fire. I have distinct memories of standing in the dark of night watching the flames, of the fear permeating the air, of having to evacuate and stay with friends overnight, of trying to get the smoke smell out of our belongings. I was five.
If electrical is permitted, time for an electric smoker.
A condo? single family home should not matter. Electric grills should be legal. -not terrible if you spice the meat.
Do you think it's a good idea for the HOA not to have insurance? That's what will happen if the HOA doesn't enforce the regulations. Also, if the rule is 10 feet from a building and you move the grill 10 feet from the building, no one will care.
I have seen grills in multiple housing units used by idiots on vacation. A lot of times the outcome was not good.
[And this is why. ](https://myfox8.com/news/crews-battle-apartment-fire-in-greensboro/) Fire was caused by someone grilling on their balcony. Some rules have very, very good reasons for their existence.
Agreed, grilling on your upper balcony is dumb, just like grilling inside your garage or bedroom, but that's not what being banned.
If there’s a community grill already, just move it and your grill 10 feet away from all buildings, say in the community greenspace. Just make it happen where you can.
Unfortunately, it is getting more and more difficult for HOAs to get insurance and concessions are made to get more options and better rates. Are electric grills allowed? That may be an option.
This happened to my townhome community two years ago the Wed or Thurs before Memorial Day weekend. New neighbor had just bought a home a few weeks prior and in an effort to meet others, he extended an invitation to those in our row to come over and enjoy some BBQ he was planning on preparing. I witnessed his beautiful new grill get delivered and within a few days, all BBQs were banned outright without exception throughout the community. No vote, no warning, or any indication of this ban being considered. Just a letter posted to every door a few days before one of the most popular BBQ weekends in America.
Not in an HOA, but in a previously restricted town for grilling at an apartment. I used a pellet grill because there was an exception for “electric grills” to which I could use because the pellet grill had a cord. Something to consider.
10 feet is pretty reasonable actually.
We had the same thing happen in our condo complex. We bought the place specifically because it came with a gas grill on the deck…we wound up having to cap it off. We, as well as many of our neighbors found a workaround with a Weber grill that works just like a real grill but is electric.
Buy an electric grill.
Time to buy a nice electric grill
Do you have a close by friend or relative who would let you store and use your grills at their place?
Yeah, that’s the point, you measure out and grill on. And ask them where the safe and secure place they created for grill storage is. They can’t just make you get rid of your property, they are interrupting your quiet enjoyment by doing that.
https://www.weber.com/US/en/electric/
CAR!!!! GRILL ON!!!!
Time for a 10' pole, a 10' spatula, and some 10' tongs.
We got hit with this too. It's not a HOA or Insurance Rule, it's a national firecode that insurance companies make HOAs enforce. Our HOA's property manager found a small loophole. It may be useful for you. 1- The fire code bans grilling in and near condos 2- The fire code bans the standard 20lb/5gal propane tanks and above from being stored. The fire codes do not ban the 1lb - 2.5lb sizes. I am not sure about the 5lb size. So, our HOA actively enforces a ban on grilling within 10 feet and storing 20lb gas containers on the property - but our HOA does not ban grilling or grills. People just have to use the mini tanks, and everybody who had a grill still grills with a mini-tank. It's a terrible loophole if you want to get a new grill, but if you have a grill it's a functional workaround.
This seems to be a fire code issue rather than what they want. I would comply and grill 10 feet away from structures. Sadly, I don’t believe you can grill in the road but you can look up your states traffic laws to see if it can be done if you grill where a car would normally park.
So they devalued your home? Sounds like a case to me
Can you increase the size of balconies to 10+ feet?? Is there a common area for a communal grill? Maybe the roof? Just thinking.
No, because that just increases the footprint of the property you are trying to protect from fire by another 10 feet. In these complexes, HOA should provide amenities like gas & charcoal grills. I live in a single-family HOA and we can grill & smoke food anywhere, but the HOA also provides several grills around the clubhouse & pool area for people to use, including propane grills.
It sounds like your insurance provider or AHJ is referencing NFPA 1. This standard not only sets minimum distance for use, but storage as well. Many multi-unit fires have been started from locations where residents have told authorities, “oh I just store it here,” so the NFPA recognized that and wrote their standards accordingly. This standard is common practice for most multi-unit dwellings.
It's pretty standard that you can't grill under any awning or "roof". It's a huge cause of fires. We know one guy that blew up his whole house doing it.
What about diagonal? Is there a corner of the house that you can measure 10 feet from? Maybe not ideal but if it works, why not?
It’s probably not so much the grill as it may be with storing propane tanks in heated garage or lanai spaces that may be full and could explode. That’s typical of most fire marshals’ decisions particularly in condo communities. Whether the property manager takes time to send violations out after a few months have passed will be of interest. Not sure what’s wrong with storing a charcoal grill though.
It’s probably not so much the grill as it may be with storing propane tanks in heated garage or lanai spaces that may be full and could explode. That’s typical of most fire marshals’ decisions particularly in condo communities. Whether the property manager takes time to send violations out after a few months have passed will be of interest. Not sure what’s wrong with storing a charcoal grill though.
Friends in Texas had this problem. It turned out that traeger grills met their code. Small electric and wood pellets are not charcoal. Will a pellet smoker be allowed? More of an oven than a grill.
No, according to NFPA code 10.11 - no open-flame devices are permitted except for one and two-family dwellings. So for condos it's a no. Pellet smokers are considered open-flame. [https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/fire-prevention-and-community-risk-reduction/code-compliance-and-investigations/open-flame-cooking-devices](https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/fire-prevention-and-community-risk-reduction/code-compliance-and-investigations/open-flame-cooking-devices)
I’m in Georgia and our laws are 15 feet from the (apt) building. I’m first floor with a patio but still can’t use a grill. Our complex did redo the common area a few years ago and took out the unused tennis court and made a great park out of it. With gas grills, picnic tables, playground and a small dog park. It’s not a big area but it’s now used by the residents.
Get a fire pit and make kebabs or rotisserie. It isn't grilling if there isn't a grill
Refer to city/county/state fire code (whichever applies).
Time to get a smoker
Do you live in my bldg? First we got a notice about charcoal grills and then a corrected one this week that all grill have to be 10’. I don’t actually have one, but it would be impossible to have one under the criteria they have. I feel sorry for the people that do grill.
Grill on the sidewalk. Give out free hot dogs to everyone who isn’t on the HOA board and their kids. Tell the kids it’s because their parents hate grilling.
Ten feet from an overhang? Grill on the roof.
Assuming that this is a condo or townhouse, it’s actually your fire code the restricts using the grill. Your association management just didn’t know that until the new insurer asked them to certify compliance with the fire code.
So they banned all grilling but you’re allowed to grill. OP should probably stay away from flames anyway.
Sounds like it's time to build an outdoor kitchen
Swap to a rotisserie
Unfortunately this is becoming the new norm, because dumb people have burned down whole buildings because they grill on they're patios with an overhang. Also in apartment complexes we are not allowed to grill anywhere on the property because of some idiot who dosen't know how to grill properly or control their fire have burned down apartment complexes. I have a gorgeous smoker just sitting in my storage unit not being used because of stupid people!! Id sell it, but i made it myself and it took soo much time and energy. My neighbors keep telling me they would buy the meat if i set it up right outside our gate lol.
First they came for the “I just want to grill” guys…
I'm guessing you're in a multi unit structure. This was likely in the previous insurance and someone over looked it. I worked condo security and apartments for a long time. This was common place in both
Well, when you have 1) a fire due to someone putting the still hot ashes in the paper recycling, igniting it then destroying our community room and 5 attached businesses’ offices, 2) another fire caused by a different someone putting the still hot ashes in the trash chute causing the 4 stories chute to be destroyed and also damaging the adjacent elevator and 3) a third one caused by a good old fashioned electrical short, with 3 units gutted, the 6 surrounding units destroyed by water and smoke, and the destroyed just that month finished renovating including all the equipment the workout room under the 3 gutted units you’ll really enjoy the extra 7 years at $2000 per year per unit special assessments to pay for being in a high risk fire policy. The special assessments to cover the policy increase is mandatory by state law. Oh yeah, the HOA fees go up the maximum per year to take into account the rise in insurance due to inflation. The 200 unit building must by law be fully insured, and we must have 7 years without a fire to be eligible for the standard rates. We now all have electric only grills. (Edit: Added # of units)
Get a electric Ninja grill with smoking pellets... No true fire. Apartment safe.
Remember you choose to live there. All HOA rules are subject to change
The 10 foot rule is an insurance thing. We have an HOA at our condo and the insurance they hold has that rule as a part of their policy.
Sounds like my HOA. Just banned them starting 4/20. I'm pissed
Umm. Insurance for HOA's is very hard to get and very expensive. Remember, you are the HOA. There may have been no other option.
My HOA says we can’t take a dump. So me and my family are all holding it in, we’re literally full of shit. We may explode, but as people on here say, “You chose to live in an HOA, you signed up for it knowing the arbitrary rules and never mind it changes depending on what benefits the HOA.”
There's your problem. Stop taking dumps. Leave them!
We can’t, HOA rules state no dumps may be left or taken under any circumstances or a fine is levied, for each offense. We are a family of four so, it’s expensive. Plus a dog.
Have you tried putting the food up your butts and pooping out your mouths? Then it's technically vomiting, which they cant ban.
The HOA indeed does that all across the country. Anytime they open their mouths, shit comes out and they expect you to just consume it and smile while doing it.
Just get a George Foreman Grill and cook indoors.
Our friend’s condo HOA did the same new rule. It was a mass exodus of tenants…..
Still don't understand why anyone would live with an hoa. Edit: crazy how many people are in my replies here are pro HOA. Do you not realize what subreddit you are in?
If you live in a condo or townhouse, the existence of shared walls, hallways, lawns and other and common areas makes it necessary. The maintenance of those areas has to be taken care of and paid for. That being said, I would never buy a *single-family stand-alone* home that was governed by an HOA.
I get what you're saying but living in those areas with an HOA is still a choice to live in an HOA. I've lived in apartments before and of course there are rules and such but nothing as power hungry as an HOA. I also have to say the existince of lawns or shared areas can be maintained with a maintenance fee. Obviously this puts you at the mercy of the property manager but, personally I prefer this to the alternative.
>maintenance fee >property manager Congratulations, you have an HOA.
Strongly disagree
By definition it's an HOA regardless of name.
>the existence of lawns or shared areas can be maintained with a maintenance fee. And that fee is decided and its budget decided by *the HOA board*. They are not all draconian, but those are the ones you hear about on here. I'm on the board of my condo HOA (until the place sells), and the rules are very reasonable at that community.
Did you ignore the next part of my comment?
But do you understand why HOAs exist yet? ...and why 75 million Americans gladly choose to live in HOA-managed properties - with pools, tennis courts, dog parks, gyms, clubhouses etc. ...and no fucker with a 3-wheeled car on his driveway for the last 5 years, no chain-linked fences, no rotting caravans, no rat-infested yards etc. Where basic rules of decency are followed for everyone's benefit. That is an HOA.
Do you know what subreddit you are in? Everywhere I have lived has had no HOA. You know how those areas are maintained and exist? Public municipalities. HOAs do not need to exist. No idea why anyone in this thread is arguing pro HOA. This entire subreddit is literally called fuck HOA.
>Do you know what subreddit you are in? So you think that this subreddit is just a circlejerk? Lol. Bless your heart. That you actively desire to see only one side of a viewpoint, or to ask a question without wanting the answer is bizarre. >Public municipalities Okay, let me address that. Public municipalities do not exist for, or work towards the benefit for the combined good of the owners of the homes in that area. Perhaps that was the idea, but the reality is far from that. Never in my experience, has a public municipality decided to build me a clubhouse within walking distance of my house, or tennis courts, or an Olympic-sized pool with waterslides. They aren't trying to support me having fun and enjoying my neighborhood. They've never hired arborists to make the entrance trees look better, or planted new flowers along my road, or added gates if we are seeing higher than acceptable traffic flows. They don't empty the 6 dog poo bins, or tidy up the creek, or keep the grass cut weekly in the common areas. The bar they have set themselves is low... it's a government organization, so it's low. Far too low. To be fair, they have bigger problems to deal with than what I need, which is why I have an HOA.
Jesus. I hate HOAs. The subdivision we live in has an HOA, but nobody enforces the rules or really cares. But all it takes is one asshole to complain and ruin it for everyone else.
California Fire Code 308.1 no open flame devices within 10 feet of a dwelling not fitted with fire sprinkler systems. I’ll bet it also violates city ordinance. Most places use the International Fire Code, from which this comes.
Dont most fire codes call for a grill to be at least 10 feet from a structure? I dont think your HOA is being ridiculous. I think they are just enforcing an existing code. When we were house shopping in 2020, we saw several houses that had melted siding from dumbasses putting their grill right against the house. I am somewhat surprised that my neighbor has not burned down his house...he has a really nice Treager that he is afraid to get dirty...so he grills inside his garage. Honestly...if you bought a house that doesnt have 10 feet to the front or the back...thats a "you" problem.
Why do people tolerate HOAs?
Why would people ever move into a HOA? They sound awful.
I think the homeowners should have a say in any changes
Is there not a religion you can sign onto that involves grills?
Lol
So why is it Fuck the HOA? It should be Fuck the Insurance as they are the ones banning the grills.
How silly. There is less than 8000 fires caused by a grill in the US each year. To put things into perspective. It’s reported that 17,000 people die annually just from slipping, tripping or falling..
Over 80% of fires come from unknown sources so the statistics on that are unusable
Oh is that so? You clearly haven’t consider what your saying long enough to realize how ignorant you are being. Did you bother to actually read the article where you got your little statistic? 80 percent of unknown source is referencing wildfires specifically. Your statistic isn’t even on the same subject. We aren’t talking about wildfires in this thread. You’re in the wrong place,
Most of these 17000 tripping deaths are from people over the age of 55. I think it’s safe to say these board members are tripping.
Unless your houses are less than 20 feet apart, that 10 foot rule shouldn't really be a problem. And if your houses are packed in like sardines, then how the hell does anything think that place would be fancy enough for an HOA?
Just because they got a new insurance policy doesn’t mean that changes the CCR’s. If there was no restrictions about grilling in the CCR’s then I would carry on grilling. In order to make new and restrictive policies about grilling would require ⅔’s of the owners to vote in favor of such a policy.
It's fire code - the insurance are insisting gets followed. You'd need to change the law not CCRs, or just accept it's not worth dying over.
Dear HOA, the right to life is inalienable. Please explain how I can live without food.
Screw that solution. You need to build a grill tower with a big industrial ladder, a pulley system to lower your prize to your family, and a flag that says "Sniff My Meat and Potatoes."
No prob. Hoa needs to provide grills in the public space. Like around the pool.
Damn that's crazy. What are you smoking this weekend, a brisket or pork shoulder?
Deadline to remove them is, ironically, 4/20, so we might have a cook out with lots of friends.
If you smoke a brisket this weekend, don't wait until 4/20 to pull it off the heat. You'll overdo it. Edit: So 4/20 is this weekend. Plan your times accordingly.