Propane Storage: New York vs Philadelphia
How do propane storage rules compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?
New York and Philadelphia have similar restriction levels.
New York, NY
New York County
NYC Fire Code Chapter 61, codified at Title 29 of the Administrative Code and adopting IFC Chapter 61, limits propane container size and quantity in the five boroughs and requires FDNY permits, with most rooftops and Manhattan streets effectively off-limits.
View full New York rules →Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia adopts the International Fire Code Chapter 61 through Subcode F (Philadelphia Code Title 4-100). Residential propane cylinders are limited to 40 pounds aggregate per dwelling unit, must be outdoors at least 5 feet from openings, and commercial bulk storage requires a Fire Department permit.
View full Philadelphia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Fire Code Chapter 61 | - |
| Home limit | Two 20 lb cylinders | - |
| Permit | FDNY Certificate of Fitness | - |
| Roof storage | Prohibited | - |
| Outdoor heaters | 20 lb cylinders only | - |
| Code reference | - | IFC Chapter 61 |
| Residential cap | - | 40 pounds per unit |
| Setback distance | - | 5 feet from openings |
| Permit threshold | - | Over 125 gallons |
| Indoor storage | - | Prohibited residential |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New York FAQ
Can I keep a 100-pound propane tank in my Brooklyn backyard?
Generally no. FC section 6104 caps residential propane at two 20-pound cylinders without a permit. Larger tanks require an FDNY permit, professional installation, and code-compliant clearances rarely available on small NYC lots.
What about propane heaters on a sidewalk cafe?
Outdoor dining heaters need a Department of Transportation revocable consent plus FDNY rule 3 RCNY 6109-01 compliance: 20-pound cylinders only, attached connections, and a Certificate of Fitness holder on site whenever the heater is operating.
Philadelphia FAQ
Can I keep my grill propane tank in my apartment?
No. Subcode F and IFC 6104.2 prohibit indoor propane storage in dwellings. Tanks must be outdoors on a balcony or patio at least 5 feet from any opening, with a 20-pound max per cylinder above first floor.
Do I need a permit for a backup home generator with propane?
Residential standby generators with cylinders under 125 gallons aggregate generally don't need a Fire Department LP-gas permit, but you still need an electrical and plumbing permit through L&I and must observe IFC clearances.
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