Apex, NC Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

The Town of Apex Fire Department's Grilling Safety guidance applies NC State Fire Prevention Code Sec. 504.8 to outdoor cooking: outdoor grilling within 10 feet vertically and horizontally of combustible materials or portions of all occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses is prohibited. This applies to charcoal grills, propane gas grills, natural gas grills, hibachis, smokers, or any appliance which uses an open flame to cook. The Apex Fire Department's storage rule provides: "The storage of grills with propane tanks having water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds is permitted only on decks, porches and patios at ground level or those which have exterior stairs for access." Grills must maintain 10 feet clearance from combustible landscaping materials like pine straw and pine bark, cannot be used within 10 feet of motor vehicles, and ashes must be deposited only in metal containers and kept 10 feet from combustibles. Appliances must be attended while in use. Fixed grills are exempt from the 10-foot rule but must follow manufacturer instructions. For non-grill LPG (bulk tanks, dispensing, transportation, larger residential tanks), the NC Fire Prevention Code Chapter 61 adopts NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) by reference. State-level LPG safety oversight is provided by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services LP-Gas program under NCGS Chapter 119. North Carolina is currently on the 2018 NC State Building Code (which includes the 2018 NC Fire Code and 2018 NC Fuel Gas Code); the 2024 NC State Building Code update is delayed (S.L. 2025-2, earliest effective date July 31, 2026). The Apex Fire Marshal's Office (919-367-4055) and Apex Fire Department main line (919-362-4001) handle local LPG safety questions.