Jerry Ringenberg
As winter recedes and weather warms up, that wonderful BBQ grill becomes more and more attractive. Ahhhh . . . you may find yourself daydreaming about that new dry rub or a marinade recipe that you saved from Sunset Magazine a few months ago. But before you fire-up the grill, be sure to review your association’s rules about grilling or you may be the one getting skewered for a rules violation in bad taste.
The Association Rules that pertain to grilling are usually found in Rules and Regulations or House Rules, and these are typically composed of three broad groupings of provisions:
• Architectural conditions and restrictions
• Resident behavior or “what NOT to do” (let’s say lifestyle choices)
• General responsibilities
Each of the three areas figure prominently in the creation of grilling rules. Each association juggles the restrictions based on fire and life safety, lifestyle choices, and general responsibilities in the most sensible, manageable way. The resulting set of Rules creates the unique flavor for residents living in each association.
Life and fire safety is the primary driver of grill rules and the International Fire Code provides the basis for most local jurisdictions in the State of Washington relating to grilling restrictions. The code restricts the use of charcoal and gas grills and other open burning devices on combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction material. While there are exceptions for homes and buildings that are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, in general these restrictions reduce the risk of fire from grills in living quarters via code enforcement. This impacts the rules in most associations.
Here are some grill rules based on the life and fire safety perspective:
• A fire extinguisher shall be located near all grills
• No grill fuel, briquette starting fuel, or briquettes may be kept in any storage area
• Grills shall be shut-off after using • No open flames allowed outside the grilling appliance
Lifestyle considerations or resident behavior are also an important consideration with grilling and ensuring a considerate and neighborly way of life. The foodie craze exists in condominium associations just as strong as anywhere else, so it is important to get the lifestyle right for your condo. As the French like to say, Prêt-à-griller! Or translated into English, make your grill stylish, functional, and ready-to-use.
Lifestyle examples of grill rules are: • The grilling area is open from 10 am – 10 pm
• Parties in the grill/picnic seating area shall not exceed 12 people at any time
• No reservations allowed. First-come, first served, but please share grill space as possible
• The grill area shall be stocked with towels, soap, hot/ cold water, salt, pepper, and grilling tools
• Do not feed the seagulls unless you are channeling Ivar Haglund (OK, maybe not this one!)
The Rules and Regulations address common area and portable grills with the intent to keep the peace in the association. Regulations should be designed to prevent nuisances and disputes and to allow the fair use of the facilities. Some examples are:
• Grills may only be located and used in the cabana area.
• Grills may not be located within 10 feet of the neighbor’s fence to prevent smoke from entering the neighbor’s home
• No grills allowed on the unit patios • Grills shall be cleaned after every use
• Clean up after your meal - No food shall be left in the grilling or picnic area
No discussion about grills is complete without a word from our insurance companies. Let’s just say, “the insurance people are not keen on grills.” The obvious reasons being risk of fire, water damage, smoke damage, liability exposure, and the frequency of claims. So as part of risk management, your Rules need to restrict the uses of grills in a meaningful way. For example, if you have cedar shake roofs in your community, minimize the chance a spark ignites a roof by prohibiting charcoal BBQ’s.
However you want to say it—grilling, barbecuing, or cooking- out—it is a fun way to prepare a special meal. Grills are a great gathering place for residents and create a sense of community through the bond of food. Grill a meal and stand back to watch who shows up. Don’t be intimated by over- cooking your steaks, drying-out your salmon, or charring your vegetables beyond recognition – you will learn how to grill like a master chef. And while you are at it, please inform yourself of the grilling rules and the etiquette of using the BBQ in your association whether it be a townhouse, home with patio, mid- rise or high-rise.
www.wscai.org
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