Propane Storage: Chino vs Rialto
How do propane storage rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Propane (LPG) storage in Chino is regulated by the California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) as adopted by CVFD Ordinance 2022-01, plus NFPA 58. Cylinders ≤2.5 lb water capacity may be stored anywhere; 1–4 cylinders ≤20 lb (BBQ-size) are permitted at residences but must be kept outdoors away from ignition sources; aggregate residential storage >720 lb (about 175 gallons) requires CFC §105.6.20 permit. Permanent tanks (e.g., 250–500 gallon ASME tanks) have minimum setbacks of 10 ft from any building or property line.
View full Chino rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Propane (LPG) storage in Rialto is governed by Cal. Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases), adopted by reference under Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28. Residential propane cylinders ≤2.5 lb. propane each are essentially unregulated; storage beyond that triggers permit, setback, and placement rules. Commercial/industrial bulk storage above 125 gal. requires a Rialto Fire operational permit and engineered separation distances.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Code authority | California Fire Code Chapter 61 + NFPA 58 (adopted via CVFD Ord. 2022-01) | Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28 (adopts CFC Ch. 61) |
| BBQ-size cylinders | ≤20-lb DOT cylinders allowed; store outdoors, upright, away from heat | - |
| Indoor storage | Prohibited in dwelling units, basements, or below-grade rooms | - |
| Permit threshold | Operational permit required >500 lb aggregate (CFC §105.6.20) | >720 lb. aggregate (~125 gal.) per CFC §105.5.30 |
| Tank ≤125 gal | ≥10 ft from buildings & property lines (NFPA 58 §6.4.1) | - |
| Tank 125–500 gal | 10 ft buildings / 10 ft property line | - |
| Tank 501–2,000 gal | 25 ft buildings / 25 ft property line | - |
| Residential cylinder limit | - | ≤2 cylinders, outdoor only (typ. 20 lb. BBQ tanks) |
| Indoor cylinder limit | - | ≤2.5 lb. each (CFC §6109.4) |
| Setback from openings | - | 10 ft. from doors/windows; 5 ft. from property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I keep multiple BBQ propane tanks in my garage?
Only with caution. CFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 prohibit LPG storage inside dwelling units. An attached residential garage is treated as part of the dwelling for storage purposes — store cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated location, upright, away from ignition sources. Aggregate residential storage above 500 lb (about 120 gal) triggers an operational permit from CVFD.
Do I need a permit for a 500-gallon propane tank for my house?
Yes. A fixed ASME tank install requires a CVFD operational permit under CFC §105.6.20 and a City of Chino Building Division plumbing/mechanical permit for tank set, piping, and appliance connection. The tank must sit at least 10 ft from any building and 10 ft from any property line (NFPA 58 §6.4.1).
Where can I refill or exchange my BBQ propane tank in Chino?
Only at retailers using California-State-Fire-Marshal- and CVFD-approved LPG dispensing or exchange equipment under CFC §6105. Big-box stores, hardware stores, and gas stations that display the exchange-cage permit qualify. Transport cylinders upright, secured, and never inside a passenger compartment with windows up.
Rialto FAQ
Can I store extra propane tanks at my Rialto home?
Yes — up to 2 cylinders (typically 20-lb. BBQ size) stored outdoors, upright, at least 10 ft. from doors/windows and 5 ft. from your property line. Never indoors, in a garage that opens to living space, or on a roof/basement.
Do I need a permit for a propane tank?
Not for typical residential BBQ cylinders. Aggregate storage above 720 lb. (~125 gal., e.g., a stationary tank for a forklift fleet or rural home heating) requires a fire operational permit from Rialto Fire under CFC §105.5.30.
Can I refill my own propane tank at home?
No. Cylinder filling must occur at a permitted LPG dispensing facility per CFC §6107 — refilling at home is prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Rialto compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool