In 2009, the Metropolitan Fire Marshall made grilling with gas or coal on balconies in multifamily dwellings illegal. The only grilling allowed is with an electric grill. The code allows for grilling to take place with coal or gas as long as the grilling takes place at least ten feet away from the building, although each community certainly may have its own rules as to allowing this option.

The Fire Marshall took this action after so many fires in Middle Tennessee occurred due to grilling on balconies. On June 20, 2012, a property managed by Ghertner & Company, suffered damage to 21 units, including three units that burned to the ground after a fire was started accidentally by a person grilling on their balcony. The damage was close to $1,000,000.

 Click here for additional information about grill requirements from The Davidson County Fire Marshal's Office