Are Fire Pits Illegal in Boston?
Fire pits are illegal in Boston if they use solid fuel, such as charcoal, wood pellets or wood. Grills and hibachis, porch heaters and chiminea that use solid fuels are also illegal.
Welcome to the confusing world of illegal outdoor heating products in Boston. The City of Boston has the most restrictive fire pit ban in Massachusetts, going far beyond what other communities allow. This can create confusion for consumers and neighbors and may expose homeowners to liability if they use banned grills or heaters that cause fires and explosions.
Sheff Law has created this article to highlight the differences in Massachusetts and Boston laws. For Boston residents, local ordinances govern what is legal and illegal, not Massachusetts law.
Heaters and Grills Banned in Boston
The following heaters and grills are banned in Boston:
- Charcoal grills, heaters, fire pits and chiminea
- Wood pellet grills, heaters, fire pits and chiminea
- Wood-fired grills, heaters, fire pits and chiminea
All of these products are legal in all other parts of Massachusetts. Boston is the only area where they are banned. Retailers who stock these products in Massachusetts must display signage stating that they are illegal to use in the City of Boston.
Propane Grills Are Legal in Boston
The following heaters and grills are legal in Boston:
- Propane grills and patio heaters, fixed or mobile
- Natural gas grills and patio heaters, fixed only
For fixed installations of natural gas or propane grills and heaters in Boston, installation must be completed by a licensed professional. Inspection by the City of Boston may be required for fixed-location propane grills and heaters and is always required for any appliance with a dedicated natural gas line.
Although the City of Boston allows propane grills and heaters, there are restrictions on where they can be used, set down by Massachusetts law. In general, grills and heaters can only be used at ground level. They cannot be used on rooftops or balconies or in any area with a structural overhang, such as a roof or awning.
Use of propane and natural gas grills and heaters may be allowed on a ground-level deck or first-level porch if there is a second stairway leading away from the building. Use of fixed-location natural gas heaters may be allowed on rooftops and uncovered decks in Boston. Approval from the City of Boston is required before installation and all equipment must be inspected by the City of Boston prior to use.
What Happens if I use an illegal grill or heater in Boston?
If you use an illegal heater in Boston, you will be fined $50. Possession of an illegal grill or heater in Boston can result in a daily $50 fine. Residents can also be fined $50 for storing any grill or fuel on a porch, deck or rooftop in the City of Boston.
Before you decide that the penalty is worth the risk, know that you could be held personally liable for any property damage or personal injury caused by a fire involving your grill or heater. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may be null and void if you use heaters or grills banned in Boston.
Sheff Law has extensive experience representing families that have had a loved one severely injured or killed in a fire or explosion. Attorneys at Sheff Law will review your case with you, and there is never any charge for our services unless you receive a settlement or court award. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-423-4477 to discuss injuries or deaths caused by fires or explosions.
