Propane Storage: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do propane storage rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Urban Honolulu.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu adopts the International Fire Code through ROH Chapter 11, capping residential propane container size and requiring placement that respects setbacks from buildings, ignition sources, and property lines, with HFD inspecting larger installations.
View full Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu propane installations are regulated by ROH Chapter 20, which adopts NFPA 1 Chapter 69 and NFPA 58, triggering plan review at 125-gallon water capacity and vehicle barrier requirements.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Portable cylinder cap | Generally 20 pounds | - |
| Permit threshold tank | Above 125 gallons | - |
| Setback distance | 10 feet typical | - |
| Inspecting body | Honolulu Fire Department | - |
| Code | - | ROH Ch. 20 / NFPA 1 Ch. 69 |
| National standard | - | NFPA 58 LP-Gas |
| Plan review at | - | 125 gal water capacity |
| Barrier trigger | - | Within 10 ft of roadway |
| Permit office | - | HFD Fire Prevention |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
How many propane tanks can I store?
Most homes may keep two 20-pound grill cylinders outdoors with proper spacing. Quantities approaching aggregate IFC limits or any installed tank over 125 gallons triggers HFD permit review.
Can I store propane in my garage?
Indoor storage of LP-gas cylinders is generally prohibited under the IFC. Keep cylinders outdoors, upright, shaded, away from drains, and at least 10 feet from ignition sources.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Do Urban Honolulu restaurants need permits for rooftop propane tanks?
Yes. Fixed commercial propane installations require HFD permits and plan review under NFPA 1 Chapter 69, plus compliance with NFPA 58 on setbacks, rooftop access, and relief valve orientation.
Are bollards required for curbside tanks at a Urban Honolulu business?
Yes, when a tank sits within 10 feet of a public vehicular way. Steel-filled bollards or comparable impact barriers approved by HFD must protect the container from vehicle strikes.
Compare other topics
See how Honolulu and Urban Honolulu 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