Propane Storage: Carson vs Long Beach
How do propane storage rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Carson and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Residential propane (LPG) cylinder storage is regulated by California Fire Code Chapter 61 (adopted via LA County Title 32). Homeowners may store small consumer cylinders (≤25 gallons aggregate) without a permit, but larger quantities, transfer operations, and tank installations require LACoFD review and adherence to NFPA 58 setbacks. Carson's refinery overlay also means strict South Coast AQMD rules on stationary sources.
View full Carson rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach Fire Department enforces California Fire Code Chapter 61 limits on liquefied petroleum gas storage at homes, capping aggregate cylinder capacity and setting clearance rules.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code authority | California Fire Code Chapter 61 + NFPA 58 (via LA County Title 32) | - |
| Cylinders on residential balcony | Max 20 lbs each, two per unit (CFC §6109.13) | - |
| ASME tank setback (≥125 gal) | ≥10 ft from buildings/property lines (NFPA 58 §6.4.1) | - |
| Indoor storage limit (single-family) | Limited per CFC Table 6103.2 (consumer cylinders only) | - |
| Permit threshold | Installations and bulk storage require LACoFD permit (CFC §105.5.30) | - |
| Residential cap | - | 25 gallons water capacity |
| Building clearance | - | Five feet minimum |
| Code basis | - | California Fire Code 6104 |
| Indoor storage | - | Prohibited entirely |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
How many propane tanks can I keep in my backyard?
California Fire Code Chapter 61 limits consumer-cylinder storage at one-family dwellings per Table 6103.2. Small barbeque-size (20 lb) cylinders are fine in the backyard; tanks over 125-gallon water capacity require a permitted installation with NFPA 58 setbacks (≥10 ft from buildings).
Can I store propane on my apartment balcony?
California Fire Code §6109.13 limits residential balcony storage to two cylinders maximum, each no larger than 20 lbs (the typical BBQ-tank size). Larger cylinders are prohibited above grade in multi-family buildings.
Do I need a permit to install a propane tank?
Yes for permanent tanks. Any LPG installation in Carson requires an LACoFD operational/installation permit under California Fire Code §105.5.30 and must meet NFPA 58 setback and design standards.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I store a 20-pound BBQ tank on my apartment balcony?
Generally no. CFC 308.1.4 prohibits LP gas barbecues on combustible balconies of multifamily buildings over three units. Electric grills are the safer compliant alternative for most LB apartments.
Where do I dispose of an old propane tank?
Long Beach Environmental Services accepts cylinders at the Household Hazardous Waste Roundup events. Never place propane tanks in curbside trash; doing so is illegal dumping under LBMC 8.60.
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