New Policy: BBQ Grills-only in the courtyard & at least 10 feet away from the building

As a reminder, barbecue grills are not allowed on the balconies. The following is is the wording from the “Welcome to the Lynnwood” booklet:

Barbecue grills may be used in the courtyard, away from the building to avoid smoke and odors from entering windows. If there is an existing grill in the courtyard, it is assumed that it is for all residents to use. No grills can be used on the balconies since the building does not have fire sprinklers. This would be a violation of fire code. Additionally, smoke and odors drifting into neighboring windows is considered a nuisance and degrading of another resident’s use of their space. Soot and grease buildup on the overhang would also be considered damage to common area property.

Fire Code (section 308.1.4) states that these types of open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated within 10 feet of the building or other combustible construction.

The Board feels that it is very important to adhere to fire code regulations, especially since the Lynnwood is a non-sprinklered building. We have routine inspections by the Fire Marshall’s office and are generally in very good standing; however, violations usually result in mandates to make changes, and numerous violations could include the installation of a very expensive fire sprinkler system throughout the building.

Residents wishing to do outdoor cooking during these hot days of summer may use small electric grills such as the “George Foreman” type grills, which are popular for grilling small amounts of foods and are easily cleanable.

NEW POLICY: As of September 22, 2024, the following is the policy related to BBQ grills:

Barbecue Grills

Pursuant to the Amended Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for the

Lynnwood, Article III, Section 4, owners and occupants of the Lynnwood may use the

courtyard for recreational use, and the space shall not be used for storage of personal

property, subject to rules and regulations adopted by the Directors.

The Board wishes to maintain a safe, welcoming and relaxing environment, enhance

the appeal of the courtyard and allow use for all residents, so long as those activities do

not degrade the appearance, dominate the space, or otherwise diminish the use of the

space by others.

Since the use of gas or charcoal barbecue grills is not allowed on balconies, the board

previously established general allowances for the use of gas grills in the courtyard.

The board has been made aware of recent issues with the use of grills in the courtyard

necessitating the clarification of this policy for the benefit of all residents:

• Barbecue grills may be used in the courtyard, at least 10 feet away from buildings

and gardens, and in a manor to avoid smoke and odors from entering windows.

If there is an existing grill stored in the courtyard, it is assumed that it is for all residents

to use.

• Grills must be stored against the building next to one of the patio doors of the

units which have ground level access to the courtyard, and only with permission of

the resident of that unit.

• Grills must be returned to that location within two hours after use and covered with a plain (no logos) black canvas or similar barbecue cover.

• A maximum of 3 (three) grills are allowed in the courtyard at any time.

• No grills can be used on the balconies since the building does not have fire sprinklers

and would be in violation of fire code. Additionally, smoke and odors drifting into

neighboring windows is considered a nuisance and degrading of another resident’s use

of their space. Soot and grease buildup on the overhang would also be considered

damage to common area property.

• Barbecue grills cannot be stored in the parking garage. Grills may be stored in the

basement storage units. However, at no time are propane or butane canisters larger than

1 lb. allowed anywhere inside the building. (Fire Code NFPA std 58)

This policy was adopted by the Lynnwood Board of Directors, September 22, 2024.

Residents wishing to do outdoor cooking may use small electric grills on their balconies, such as the “George Foreman” type grills, which are popular for grilling small

amounts of food and are easily cleanable. Please be considerate of your neighbors and

possible smoke drifting into the windows of their units.

The Board feels that it is very important to adhere to fire code regulations, especially

since the Lynnwood is a non-sprinklered building. We have routine inspections by the

Fire Marshall’s office and are generally in very good standing. However, violations

usually result in mandates to make changes, and numerous violations could include the

requirement of installing a very expensive fire sprinkler system throughout the building.

This would involve work in every room of every unit and cost hundreds of thousands of

dollars.

Balancing the safety of the building’s residents, keeping costs low, and still allowing

residents to enjoy their lives here at the Lynnwood, is a balance that the Board strives

for almost every day, and the cooperation of every resident is appreciated.