There’s one thing most vegans and meat eaters agree on – food tastes better grilled. But on many condo balconies, barbecues are simply not allowed. We spoke to Alex Brott, senior vice president – sales and sales representative at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, to find out how condo residents can get their grill fill.
Why aren’t barbecues allowed on patios? Is it a provincial or city mandate or is it specific to condos?
The rules about having a BBQ at a condo come from each building’s board of directors and change from condo to condo, but those rules have to comply with the Ontario laws about the use, moving and storage of propane.
Why are the rules in place? Is it about smoke from the BBQ ruining other patios or is it a worry about the cookers blowing up?
A little from column A, a little from column B. It’s more about getting propane in and out of your unit in a safe way. For instance, you can’t just roll through the lobby and ride the elevator with your neighbours casually carrying a propane tank while talking about the Raptors. According to the Ontario Fire Code, when transporting a propane tank, you either have to take the service elevator or ride alone on the regular passenger elevator. Nobody wants a fire!
So who can have a BBQ on their deck?
There are typically only two situations where a BBQ is allowed on a condo balcony: either the outdoor space must be large enough for the BBQ to be 10 feet or more from the building, or a natural gas line running from the condo must allow the BBQ to operate without a propane tank.
Does the natural gas hookup increase the purchase price of a condo?
It’s definitely a perk, but I wouldn’t say it will increase your purchase price. It might win buyers over if they are deliberating, though. I’ve never met anybody who wasn’t pleasantly surprised at discovering a natural gas line.
When neither a natural gas hookup nor a propane tank is available, how do communal BBQ areas work? Is there a fee associated with that?
No (at least as far as I have experienced). Some buildings have a sign-up/in sheet. It’s one of the common elements that you pay for in your maintenance fees.
What about charcoal grills?
Some condo boards allow them but I’ve never seen one in my adventures in real estate. Typically, the answer is a big fat hairy no to charcoal grills.
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