Propane Storage: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do propane storage rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Propane (LPG) storage in unincorporated San Mateo County follows the California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58, enforced by CAL FIRE / San Mateo County Fire. Residential aggregate capacity is limited, tanks must meet setback and clearance rules, and permits are required above threshold quantities.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Propane (LPG) storage in unincorporated San Mateo County follows the California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58, enforced by CAL FIRE / San Mateo County Fire. Residential aggregate capacity is limited, tanks must meet setback and clearance rules, and permits are required above threshold quantities.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Governing code | California Fire Code Chapter 61 + NFPA 58 | California Fire Code Chapter 61 + NFPA 58 |
| Enforcing agency | CAL FIRE / San Mateo County Fire Marshal | CAL FIRE / San Mateo County Fire Marshal |
| Residential install cap | Up to 2,000 gal water capacity per code (fire official sets limit) | Up to 2,000 gal water capacity per code (fire official sets limit) |
| Setback from public ways | At least 5 ft (tanks 2,000 gal or less) | At least 5 ft (tanks 2,000 gal or less) |
| Permit | Required per CFC Sections 105.5 / 105.6 | Required per CFC Sections 105.5 / 105.6 |
| Tank vehicles | Not unattended within 500 ft of residences/schools | Not unattended within 500 ft of residences/schools |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Do I need a permit for a propane tank in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Permits are required under the California Fire Code (Sections 105.5 and 105.6) for LP-gas installations above the code's threshold quantities. A propane distributor cannot fill a permit-required tank unless an installation permit has been issued for that location by the fire code official. Contact the Fire Marshal at (650) 573-3846.
How far does my propane tank need to be from the property line?
Above-ground containers of 2,000 gallons water capacity or less must be at least 5 feet from public ways, with larger setbacks for bigger tanks per NFPA 58 location tables and the fire code official's approval.
Can I store my BBQ propane cylinder in the garage?
LP-gas cylinders should be stored outdoors, not inside buildings or garages. The California Fire Code and NFPA 58 restrict indoor storage of propane containers; standard 20-lb BBQ tanks should be kept outside.
South San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit for a propane tank in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Permits are required under the California Fire Code (Sections 105.5 and 105.6) for LP-gas installations above the code's threshold quantities. A propane distributor cannot fill a permit-required tank unless an installation permit has been issued for that location by the fire code official. Contact the Fire Marshal at (650) 573-3846.
How far does my propane tank need to be from the property line?
Above-ground containers of 2,000 gallons water capacity or less must be at least 5 feet from public ways, with larger setbacks for bigger tanks per NFPA 58 location tables and the fire code official's approval.
Can I store my BBQ propane cylinder in the garage?
LP-gas cylinders should be stored outdoors, not inside buildings or garages. The California Fire Code and NFPA 58 restrict indoor storage of propane containers; standard 20-lb BBQ tanks should be kept outside.
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