Balcony, Terrace, Garden: What’s Allowed with Fire Bowls? Real‑World Rules, Cases & Alternatives
You want the glow of a live fire—but what’s actually allowed “where you live”? This guide sums up common rules for balconies, terraces and private gardens across Europe, references practical cases, and shows alternatives when open flames aren’t permitted—plus SUNJOY model tips (Ø76–79 cm).
1) Balcony: check lease & house rules first
• Lease/HOA first
Open flames are often banned on balconies. Even if grilling is tolerated, you must avoid smoke/sparks and be considerate.
Court rulings differ: some allow grilling absent a ban, others uphold strict house rules.
• Fire bowls on balconies?
Frequently not allowed—due to fire load, sparks and smoke. One ruling (AG Potsdam 24 C 406/10) only allowed a bowl on shared outdoor space, and with conditions.
• Practical alternatives:
Electric infrared heaters, gel/ethanol table fires (where permitted), or a low‑smoke design on a yard/terrace instead.
2) Terrace & private garden: small fires—with conditions
• Permits & size: Many municipalities handle fire bowls under ~1 m diameter more leniently. Still, burn dry, untreated wood only; garden waste/painted wood is prohibited.
• Setbacks & wind: Practical guidance suggests 3–5 m clearance from buildings/hedges/furniture; don’t use bowls in strong winds. Smoke nuisance can trigger enforcement.
• Environment: Germany’s Umweltbundesamt advises avoiding campfires; if you do it, use dry wood and a fire‑proof base.
3) Neighbors & quiet hours
• Courtesy prevents conflict: Smoke and odours must not enter neighboring homes. Give notice, keep flames modest, and throttle or extinguish if smoke increases.
• Fines: Repeated nuisance can be fined as a regulatory offence.
SUNJOY Outdoor Fire Pit ALBANI
4) Alternatives when open flames are banned
• Low‑smoke bowls (secondary combustion): double‑wall airflow for cleaner flames—e.g., SUNJOY AMIATA (where permitted)
• Deeper bowls with spark screen: larger heat radius with controlled sparks—e.g., BROMO Ø79
• Copper‑look statement: MAZAMA Ø76 for a warm focal point.
• No open flame allowed? Electric heaters/LED flame effects keep the vibe without the risk.
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