Propane Storage: Oxnard vs Simi Valley
How do propane storage rules compare between Oxnard, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Oxnard and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Ventura County follows California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted by the Ventura County Fire Protection District (2022 CFC, Ordinance 32). Residential tanks must meet minimum separation distances from buildings and lot lines by size; small barbecue cylinders are exempt. A single container over 2,000 gallons, or aggregate over 4,000 gallons water capacity, requires construction documents.
View full Oxnard rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Ventura County follows California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted by the Ventura County Fire Protection District (2022 CFC, Ordinance 32). Residential tanks must meet minimum separation distances from buildings and lot lines by size; small barbecue cylinders are exempt. A single container over 2,000 gallons, or aggregate over 4,000 gallons water capacity, requires construction documents.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oxnard | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Governing code | California Fire Code Chapter 61 (2022; VCFPD Ord. 32) | California Fire Code Chapter 61 (2022; VCFPD Ord. 32) |
| Small aboveground tanks (<125 gal) | ~10 ft from buildings/lot line | ~10 ft from buildings/lot line |
| BBQ cylinders (e.g., 20-lb) | Exempt from separation-distance rules | Exempt from separation-distance rules |
| Construction docs required | Single >2,000 gal OR aggregate >4,000 gal water capacity | Single >2,000 gal OR aggregate >4,000 gal water capacity |
| Multiple installations | Separated by at least 25 ft (CFC Ch. 61) | Separated by at least 25 ft (CFC Ch. 61) |
| Fire code official | Ventura County Fire Department | Ventura County Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oxnard FAQ
How far from my house must a propane tank be?
Under California Fire Code Chapter 61, small aboveground tanks (under 125 gallons) must generally be at least 10 ft from buildings and the adjoining buildable lot line; larger containers require greater separation per the code's distance tables.
Do the rules apply to my barbecue propane cylinder?
Small portable cylinders such as a 20-lb BBQ tank fall below the threshold requiring separation distances and may be used and stored without those setbacks when in compliance with the code.
When do I need to submit plans for a propane installation?
Where a single LP-gas container exceeds 2,000 gallons of water capacity, or the aggregate exceeds 4,000 gallons, the installer must submit construction documents under CFC §6101.3. Confirm permits with the Ventura County Fire Department.
Simi Valley FAQ
How far from my house must a propane tank be?
Under California Fire Code Chapter 61, small aboveground tanks (under 125 gallons) must generally be at least 10 ft from buildings and the adjoining buildable lot line; larger containers require greater separation per the code's distance tables.
Do the rules apply to my barbecue propane cylinder?
Small portable cylinders such as a 20-lb BBQ tank fall below the threshold requiring separation distances and may be used and stored without those setbacks when in compliance with the code.
When do I need to submit plans for a propane installation?
Where a single LP-gas container exceeds 2,000 gallons of water capacity, or the aggregate exceeds 4,000 gallons, the installer must submit construction documents under CFC §6101.3. Confirm permits with the Ventura County Fire Department.
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