BARBECUE, P.2

Fortunately, it's simple and straightforward. The Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) disallows the use or storage, in residences, of any container of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) greater than sixteen and four tenths ounces (16.4 oz.), except for certain exceptions.

Primarily, those exceptions are in section FC307.5 of the New York City Fire Code, which specifically prohibits the standard 20-pound LPG containers on balconies, roof decks, rear yards and courtyards of apartment buildings and other multiple dwellings — but do allow them at one- and two-family homes. So, no shareholder or unit-owner can argue with you much for banning propane at your co-op or condo; you can tell them, rightly, that the city prohibits them.

Just make sure your super, resident manager, managing agent and anyone else in a position to OK a barbecue knows it. Make sure they also know that by law, barbecues

• must be placed at least 10 feet from combustible material, which includes building siding and plastic or wood deck chairs; and
• a working water hose or a portable fire extinguisher must be nearby and readily available for use.

So, fire up that charcoal. Just keep the charcoal fluid below 16.4 ounces, and learn the basic laws. You can start with the New York City Fire Code FAQ.