Arcadia, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Two layers of rules apply. First, the California Fire Code as amended in § 3124.1 requires an operational permit for the storage and use of LP-gas and for operating cargo tankers that transport LP-gas. The permit exception covers individual containers of 500-gallon water capacity or less, or multiple container systems with an aggregate quantity not exceeding 500 gallons, used exclusively for emergency power generation and serving Group R-3 occupancies not located in the Wildland-Urban Interface Area. Second, the Flammable and Explosive Material division of the Special Regulations part caps quantities by zone.

Under § 3141.2, all real property classified as, changed to or placed in Zones R-M, R-O, R-1, R-2 or R-3 is limited to the equivalent of ten (10) gallons of water capacity outdoors and five (5) gallons of water capacity in free standing or attached accessory structures. Section 3141.1 sets the limits in which new bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted at the boundaries of the City. Section 3141.3 exempts the same emergency power containers serving Group R-3 occupancies, and lets the City Council alter the limits on written application, after it receives the report and recommendation of the Chief, if it finds on the evidence that public health, safety and welfare will not be jeopardized.

Emergency generators at Group R-3 occupancies in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone follow Section 6112 as added by § 3124.10: no container above 500-gallon water capacity and no more than 500 gallons in aggregate, a minimum 10-foot setback between the tank and all buildings in perpetuity, a sign reading "NO SMOKING WITHIN 25 FEET", weeds, grass, brush and trash kept 10 feet from the tank, a 6A:80BC fire extinguisher within 50 feet that the applicant has serviced annually, and no leaving the LP tank vehicle unattended during refueling. A non-refundable permit fee set by City Council Resolution is charged under § 3124.11.