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Is it legal to have barbecues on terraces and in gardens in Spain?
Local regulations and community rules on outdoor grilling differ across Spain
There are few aromas that evoke the feeling of summer more than tender meat sizzling over barbecue coals, and a relaxing day in sunny Spain is hardly complete without someone firing up the grill. Outdoor living – and dining – is a quintessential element of the Spanish lifestyle but it's wise to check the regulations where you live before lighting the barbie on your balcony or terrace.
While there’s no national Spanish law that prohibits barbecues in private spaces, certain local town hall rules or community regulations place limits on where and when people can use grills. For example, some municipalities ban gas BBQs during the summer because they pose a fire risk while in Madrid, lit grills must be at least five metres from the façade of the nearest neighbour.
If you live in an urbanisation or gated community, your neighbourhood will likely have its own statute of dos and don’ts, which could include a ban on balcony or roof terrace barbecues. If in doubt, it's safer to request a copy of the local ordinance from your community president.
It's also important to know that if you opt for a built-in BBQ on your property rather than a portable one, a permit must be sought from the local council and the residents' association should be informed.
The overarching consideration, though, must be the Spanish Property Law, which prohibits homeowners and tenants from carrying out any activity that could be considered “annoying, unhealthy, harmful, dangerous or illegal.” When applied to garden grilling, the legislation explains that for the activity to be considered annoying, its use must be continuous and excessive, or causing damage to property or neighbours.
Given the broad interpretation of the term, it’s worth noting that a homeowner can file a formal complaint at any time if the smoke from the BBQ is bothering them.
For most residential communities, barbecuing is a socially accepted part of living in Spain and is widely tolerated as long as it doesn't become a nuisance.
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