Fire Pit on balcony (and gas line location)?

Hello,

I'm currently having a balcony expanded and in the process I was wondering if I would be allowed to put one of those popular fire pits on it (like the ones seen here: http://www.thegracestonecollection.com/category_s/39.htm.

The balcony has trex planks for flooring (with space between them, if that matters) and is about 3' up from the ground. It's built on joists resting on concrete footers and has concrete foundations on the end walls as well. It's sort of a mix between a balcony and a deck...

The pit would have nothing but open air above it.

If putting one in is allowed, what are the rules for routing the gas line? I currently have a capped line coming out of the wall on one end of the balcony, but I would like the pit to be at the other end (about 20' away). Can the pipe be routed under the balcony?

All work would be done by a plumber (I don't like to mess with gas myself...)

Thank you!

\ Henrik
Newport Beach, CA

I wouldn't thnk there would be a problem but I would check with your local building dept. to see if they are allowed or need to be permited.

I know the gas line will need a permit but I don't know if the pit will need one also.

The national fire codes were changed in (I think) 2004 or 2005 and restricted use of gas appliances on decks (big restrictions on propane, not as many for gas). You can google it and see if this is an allowed installation. Not all locations have adopted it, so you'd still need to discuss it with the local building inspector. But, knowing if the national codes allow it is a start for any argument you might have...good ammunition.