The Laws vs the Reality

Years ago I phone the local landlord when his tenants had tiki torches burning on a FIRST FLOOR TRIPLE DECKER PORCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grilling on porches in Woonsocket, RI, is restricted under the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code and NFPA 1 regulations. The rules depend on your housing type: [1]

• Multi-Family Dwellings (3+ units): Gas, charcoal, and hibachi grills are completely illegal to use or store on any balcony, porch, or under any overhanging portion of a building. [1]
• One- and Two-Family Homes: You can legally grill on porches, but you must maintain a 10-foot clearance from any combustible structure (walls, railings, eaves) unless manufacturer instructions state otherwise. Grilling under overhangs or enclosed porches is generally prohibited. [1, 2, 3]
• Electric Grills: These are typically permitted on open porches or balconies since they do not use an open flame, provided you maintain basic fire clearance. [1, 2]

If you are dealing with a neighbor violating these fire safety laws, you should contact the Woonsocket Building Inspection & Code Enforcement Division or the Woonsocket Fire Department for non-emergency complaints.