Propane Storage: Portland vs Seattle
How do propane storage rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland Fire & Rescue enforces the Oregon Fire Code on propane storage, capping cylinder size and quantity at residences and prohibiting storage inside dwellings, basements, or near building openings.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
The Seattle Fire Code, based on IFC Chapter 61 and amended in SMC Title 22, caps propane cylinder storage at residences and businesses. Cylinders larger than 10 gallons require permits; multifamily storage is tightly limited.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code basis | Oregon Fire Code (OFC) | - |
| Indoor cylinder limit | About 1 pound | - |
| Apartment balconies | Most cylinders prohibited | - |
| Permit threshold | Tanks over 125 gallons | >125 gal water |
| Code | - | IFC 6101 |
| Balcony storage | - | Banned >4th floor |
| Clearance | - | 10 ft ignition |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Can I keep a 20-pound BBQ tank in my garage?
No. Twenty-pound cylinders must be stored outdoors on a stable surface, away from openings and ignition sources. Indoor or basement storage violates the Oregon Fire Code.
Are propane grills allowed on apartment balconies?
Most Portland apartments are wood-frame or sprinkler-restricted, so propane grills and tanks larger than one pound are prohibited on balconies under the Oregon Fire Code.
Seattle FAQ
Can I store a propane tank on my apartment balcony?
Only on balconies at or below the fourth floor, and only one 20 lb cylinder. Storage inside the unit is prohibited under Seattle Fire Code.
Do I need a permit for a backyard propane tank?
Most residential cylinders under 100 lb total need no permit. Larger fixed tanks for heating or generators require an SFD permit and inspection.
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