Propane Storage: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do propane storage rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Fire Code under Title B incorporates the California Fire Code and IFC §6101 governing propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require an SCCFD or CalFire CZU operational permit and IFC §6104 setbacks.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Fire Code under Title B incorporates the California Fire Code and IFC §6101 governing propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require an SCCFD or CalFire CZU operational permit and IFC §6104 setbacks.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Code citation | Title B and IFC §6101 | Title B and IFC §6101 |
| Residential exempt | 10 gallons aggregate or less | 10 gallons aggregate or less |
| Permit threshold | Above 25 gallons aggregate | Above 25 gallons aggregate |
| 125-gallon setback | 10 feet from buildings | 10 feet from buildings |
| Permitting agency | SCCFD or CalFire CZU | SCCFD or CalFire CZU |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a permit for my backyard 20-pound BBQ tank?
No. Residential aggregate quantities of 10 gallons or less — typically two 5-gallon (20-pound) cylinders — are exempt under California Fire Code if used for cooking, heating, or similar household purposes only.
How far from my house must a 250-gallon tank sit?
IFC §6104 requires at least 10 feet from buildings and property lines for tanks above 125 gallons up to 500 gallons, plus a 10-foot vegetation-free zone. Fire-authority inspection confirms placement before fueling.
Can I refill my own propane cylinder?
Only certified attendants at permitted dispensing stations may refill DOT cylinders. Self-refilling from a bulk tank is unlawful under California Fire Code §6109 and creates an immediate fire-marshal stop-use order.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Do I need a permit for my backyard 20-pound BBQ tank?
No. Residential aggregate quantities of 10 gallons or less — typically two 5-gallon (20-pound) cylinders — are exempt under California Fire Code if used for cooking, heating, or similar household purposes only.
How far from my house must a 250-gallon tank sit?
IFC §6104 requires at least 10 feet from buildings and property lines for tanks above 125 gallons up to 500 gallons, plus a 10-foot vegetation-free zone. Fire-authority inspection confirms placement before fueling.
Can I refill my own propane cylinder?
Only certified attendants at permitted dispensing stations may refill DOT cylinders. Self-refilling from a bulk tank is unlawful under California Fire Code §6109 and creates an immediate fire-marshal stop-use order.
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