Brewing on a Balcony

[awoitte]

I've recently built an all grain, single tier system with two burners (one on each end) with a center area for a third kettle location (HERMS/Mash Kettle). It stands at about 3'. I thought about brewing in the driveway but the thought of pulling water from the hose/faucet grosses me out, and I just like having the comfort of being able to grab whatever I need (I keep all brew supplies close to the kitchen).

Question: Will brewing on a balcony that has an overhang be hazardous (Propane while using banjo burners/Fire near the home). I've attached a photo (I'm sorry for the sizing/poor quality) of the balcony. It is the top right balcony, I can get a better shot of it but wanted to get a general idea of I should even consider it.

Thoughts?

 

[Br3w4u]

I don’t see how it would be any worse than brewing in your garage and there are plenty of people doing that. Yeah you probably aren’t supposed to but eh...

 

[treacheroustexan]

Are you renting the place? if so, you need to check and make sure you're allowed to use propane. The last place I lived in would evict you if you had any sort of open flame that wasn't on ground level away from the building. If you own the property, have at it. I know plenty of people who brew on balconies. Just make sure no one is underneath of the balcony in case you would have a boil over or something.

 

[Br3w4u]

I would be very tempted to dump my spent grains out on some poor unsuspecting passerby. Good thing I don’t have a balcony

 

[zpack]

I'd brew in the garage

 

[FloppyKnockers]

I think it's funny that pulling water from the spigot grosses you out. Every bit of plumbing runs through the same pipe, including your spigot. I would never drink out of a garden hose, but they do make potable water hoses if that's your biggest boggle.

If I had to choose between a patio or just outside my garage door I would choose the garage door. More room, less people, and if something were to go south you could easily "this is Sparta!" that biotch right into the driveway.

 

[IslandLizard]

Is that complex governed by an HOA? If so, they may have certain "laws" prohibiting propane use on balconies, etc.

 

[awoitte]

I think it's funny that pulling water from the spigot grosses you out. Every bit of plumbing runs through the same pipe, including your spigot. I would never drink out of a garden hose, but they do make potable water hoses if that's your biggest boggle.

If I had to choose between a patio or just outside my garage door I would choose the garage door. More room, less people, and if something were to go south you could easily "this is Sparta!" that biotch right into the driveway.

Yeah, the water isn't really the issue, its more about convenience and being able to grab things, setup/clean up, etc. Also, I have 3 roommates so garage/driveway for several hours would be difficult. This way, if I want to grab a beer from the fridge or need anything its a few steps away as opposed to running upstairs and leaving an open flame unattended.

Thanks for the input guys, it looks like I have a solid understanding of what I need to look into:

1) Leased House: Ensure landlord is fine with open flame/butane on balcony
2) Ensure no one / important things are below balcony
3) Not mentioned but obviously have a fire extinguisher available

BREW ON!

Any other advice is welcome

 

[GPP33]

do people have propane grills on their balconies in your complex? If so brew on. If not read the covenants. Ownership does not allow you to violate HOA rules so ownership is irrelevant. Actually make sure you read local ordinances as well.

 

[Lefou]

Thank God I own a house. I've lived among the HOA Nazis and glad that's behind me. The last place I lived was the bottom floor of a townhouse owned by a co-worker. She gave me a great deal for almost four years and we got along fine, but her personality deterred me from brewing ... That, and being deployed by choice kept me from a few personal conflicts that might've arisen from my stubbornness.

 

[MaxStout]

Read the terms of your lease, or HOA Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) if you own. They may be VERY specific as to what heat-generating devices are allowed on balconies. Even if the terms state that gas grills are allowed, that doesn't mean a burner is OK, unless the terms specifically provide for that. Those rules are driven by fire codes and the property owners' insurance requirements. It's not worth getting evicted or fined by the HOA.