Propane Storage: Columbus vs Indianapolis
How do propane storage rules compare between Columbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN?
Columbus and Indianapolis have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus Fire Code Title 25 incorporates the International Fire Code Chapter 61 governing propane and LP-gas storage. Residential cylinders are limited in size and quantity, with permit requirements for larger commercial installations citywide.
View full Columbus rules →Indianapolis, IN
Marion County
Indianapolis follows the Indiana State Fire Code (675 IAC 22) which adopts NFPA 58, capping residential propane cylinder quantities, requiring distance from buildings, and barring storage inside dwellings or attached garages.
View full Indianapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Ohio Fire Code IFC §6101 | - |
| Residential limit | Two 20-pound cylinders | - |
| Permit threshold | Over 125 gallons capacity | - |
| Indoor storage | Generally prohibited | Prohibited |
| Permit issuer | Fire Prevention Bureau | - |
| Code adopted | - | 675 IAC 22 fire code |
| NFPA standard | - | NFPA 58 LP-gas |
| Distance from openings | - | Five feet minimum |
| Large tank trigger | - | Over 125 gallons |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
How many propane tanks can I keep at home?
Most homes can store up to two 20-pound cylinders connected to a grill plus a small reserve, kept outdoors away from doors, windows, and ignition sources. Larger fixed tanks require Columbus Division of Fire permitting.
Can I store propane indoors over winter?
No. Storing 20-pound or larger propane cylinders inside garages, basements, or sheds violates the fire code. Cylinders must remain outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area away from heat sources, even during cold weather.
Indianapolis FAQ
Can I keep a spare grill tank in my garage?
No, even a single twenty-pound cylinder must be stored outdoors on a level, ventilated surface; attached garages and basements are not allowed by the Indiana fire code.
Do I need a permit for a buried propane tank?
Yes, tanks larger than 125 gallons require state fire marshal review and a local mechanical permit through Indianapolis DBNS, with setbacks and corrosion protection per NFPA 58.
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