Propane Storage: Apex vs Cary
How do propane storage rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Propane and LPG appliances in Apex are regulated by the NC Fire Prevention Code (currently the 2018 NC Fire Code based on the 2015 IFC, Chapter 61 LPG and Sec. 504.8 outdoor cooking) and by the Apex Fire Department's local interpretation. Per NC Fire Code Sec. 504.8 as applied in Apex: outdoor grilling within 10 feet vertically and horizontally of combustible materials or portions of all occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses is prohibited. The storage of grills with propane tanks having water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds is permitted only on decks, porches and patios at ground level or those which have exterior stairs for access. Grills must be at least 10 feet from combustible landscaping (pine straw, pine bark) and from motor vehicles. Ashes go in metal containers, kept 10 feet from combustibles. Bulk LPG storage and dispensing follow NFPA 58 (LP-Gas Code) as adopted by reference in the NC Fire Code Chapter 61, with oversight by the NC Department of Agriculture LP-Gas program at the state level. The 2024 NC Fire Code is delayed - earliest effective date July 31, 2026 (S.L. 2025-2).
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County adopted the NC Fire Prevention Code (NCFC) under Code Ch. 72. Residential propane storage follows NCFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 — typical residential 100 lb LP tank requires 5 ft setback from openings; 500-gallon ASME tanks require 10 ft from buildings/property line. Permits required above 125 gallons.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| State Cite | NC Fire Prevention Code Sec. 504.8 + Ch. 61 (adopts NFPA 58) | - |
| Grill Clearance (Non-SFH/Townhouse) | 10 ft from combustibles vertically and horizontally | - |
| Propane Tank Storage | >2.5 lb water capacity: ground-level decks or those with exterior stairs only | - |
| Landscaping/Vehicle Clearance | 10 ft from pine straw, pine bark, motor vehicles | - |
| Ash Disposal | Metal containers only, 10 ft from combustibles | - |
| Code | - | NCFC + NFPA 58 |
| ≤125 gal | - | 5 ft setback |
| 125-500 gal | - | 10 ft setback |
| Permit threshold | - | >125 gal commercial |
| Wake Fire Marshal | - | 919-856-6343 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I store a propane grill on my apartment balcony in Apex?
Generally no for apartments (occupancies other than 1- and 2-family dwellings and townhouses). The Apex Fire Department applies NC Fire Code Sec. 504.8 to prohibit outdoor grilling within 10 feet of combustibles for those occupancies, and the storage of grills with propane tanks > 2.5 lb water capacity is permitted only on decks, porches and patios at ground level or those which have exterior stairs for access. Most second-story apartment balconies cannot meet that rule.
How far does my grill have to be from the house in Apex?
For one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, NC Fire Prevention Code Sec. 504.8 does not impose the 10-ft clearance from the building, but the Apex Fire Department still requires 10 feet of clearance from combustible landscaping (pine straw, pine bark) and from motor vehicles, and that grills be attended while in use. Ashes must go in metal containers and stay 10 feet from combustibles. For apartments, condos, and commercial occupancies, the full 10-ft clearance from combustibles applies.
Is there a state LPG code in NC?
Yes. The NC Fire Prevention Code Chapter 61 adopts NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) by reference, and state-level LPG safety oversight is provided by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services LP-Gas program under NCGS Chapter 119. The 2018 NC Fire Code is currently in effect; the 2024 NC State Building Code (including the 2024 NC Fire Code) is delayed with the earliest possible effective date of July 31, 2026 under S.L. 2025-2.
Cary FAQ
Can I put a 500-gallon tank in my yard?
Yes if it's at least 10 ft from any building and the property line, installed by a licensed LP dealer. Some HOAs require screening.
What about my grill tank?
Standard 20-lb grill tank is exempt from setback rules but must be stored outdoors when full and not in a basement or garage.
Do I need a permit for residential?
No for typical residential under 500 gallons, but installation must be done by a licensed NC LP-gas dealer.
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