Grills

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/pr/2009/071009_4609.shtml

Somehow, Alan manages to position his charcoal grill ten feet from the building on a six-foot-wide balcony. He explained it... something to do with the space-time continuum, I think.

Even better than the space-time continuum: it can all be explained by the advanced thermodynamic properties of supertacky electric heating elements.

Thanks, helpful. I am thinking of buying a grill that uses small gas canisters (that appear to be legal according to the guidelines) and we do have a large terrace, so I can definitely put the grill more than 10 feet from the building, although I am not sure I would.

The related question for Alan and others - are these laws ever enforced? Thanks again.

I bet they're enforced by insurance adjusters who don't want to pay out on your policy ... also potentially by coops/condos/management companies.

Personally, I welcome safety guidelines and try to follow them.

NEVER use a propane barbecue grill with tanks larger than 16.4 ounces on a balcony, terrace or roof. It is illegal and very dangerous.
Propane barbecue grills and no more than two 20 pound propane tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or two family home. Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home, in direct sunlight or near any possible sources of flame. Always store them in the upright position.
Before using any barbecue
Tiny camping BBQ is what you are refering to. Weber baby Q might do the trick.

If you burn the place down, I doubt you'll be asking, "Do they ever enforce it?"

The Weber Q is a great grill and a perfect size. The only problem I have is how you are supposed to dispose of the propane canisters? I have a dozen or so empty ones. Can I just put them in the recycling?

Bought a Weber Q (the 200-one, mid-sized), thanks for the advice.

The guy at the store that sells the canisters told me to just bring him used ones and he'll recycle them. I presume you can do the same.