Propane Storage: Columbus vs Westerville
How do propane storage rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus has fewer restrictions than Westerville.
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 →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
The Ohio State Fire Marshal adopts NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code through OAC 1301:7-7 and licenses LPG installations statewide, providing uniform propane storage and handling rules that apply universally.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Ohio Fire Code IFC §6101 | - |
| Residential limit | Two 20-pound cylinders | - |
| Permit threshold | Over 125 gallons capacity | - |
| Indoor storage | Generally prohibited | - |
| Permit issuer | Fire Prevention Bureau | - |
| Code adopted | - | NFPA 58 with amendments |
| Regulator | - | State Fire Marshal |
| Statute | - | ORC 3737.88; OAC 1301:7-5 |
| Licensing | - | Required for LPG dealers |
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.
Westerville FAQ
Are residential propane tank rules the same across Ohio?
Yes. The Ohio Fire Code and NFPA 58 set uniform separation distances, container size limits, and installation requirements that apply statewide. Local fire departments enforce but cannot weaken these standards.
Who licenses propane installers in Ohio?
The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal licenses LPG dealers, installers, and bulk plants under ORC 3737.88 and OAC 1301:7-5. Licensing is exclusively a state function, not a local one.
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