Alexandria, VA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential exemption
- Containers ≤500 gal. water capacity, Use Group R-3
- Permit fee
- $143 under Table 107.2
- Governing section
- Fire Prevention Code Sec. 6101.2
- Enforcing agency
- Alexandria Fire Marshal's Office
- Also exempt
- Cargo tankers transporting LP gas
Summary
Alexandria's Fire Prevention Code requires a $143 fire-official permit for LP-gas storage and use inside or outside any building under Section 6101.2, but Table 107.2 exempts individual residential containers of 500 gallons water capacity or less serving one- and two-family Use Group R-3 occupancies.
LP Gas. Storage and use inside or outside of any building. 6101.2 $143.00 Exception: 1. Individual containers with 500 gallons (1893 L) water capacity or less serving occupancies in Use Group R-3. 2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP gas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 156 | Zoning: Supplement 103).
Full Breakdown
2. The table entry, titled 'LP Gas. Storage and use inside or outside of any building,' requires a permit from the fire official before any LP-gas system is installed, filled or operated in the city, carrying a $143 fee. ' In practice, a typical backyard grill cylinder or an above-ground or underground tank feeding a single-family home's furnace or generator falls under the exception so long as its water capacity does not exceed 500 gallons. 2 permit. 15 makes every collected permit fee non-refundable once the required inspection is complete. 2 fees with City Council approval.
Violations & Fines
Storing or using LP-gas above the 500-gallon residential threshold, or operating a commercial LP-gas system, without the Section 6101.2 permit is a Fire Prevention Code violation enforced by the Alexandria fire official and fire marshal's staff under their Section 4-2-15 authority. Under Section 110.7, the fire official may correct an imminent LP-gas hazard directly and bill the property owner, tenant or responsible party for the full cost of the response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep a propane tank at my Alexandria home?
How much does an LP-gas storage permit cost in Alexandria?
Who inspects propane installations in Alexandria?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alexandria
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