Auburn, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Anchoring threshold
- 125 gallons or larger
- Engineer-design threshold
- 2,000 gallons or larger
- Seismic requirement
- Approved earthquake shut-off device required
- Retrofit trigger
- Change of use, tank replaced/modified
- Adopted by
- Ord. 6813 (2021), IFC Sec. 6107
Summary
Auburn's fire code amendment, ACC 15.36A.051, requires LP-gas containers of 125 gallons or more to be anchored or strapped against displacement and fitted with an approved earthquake shut-off valve, with containers of 2,000 gallons or more needing a licensed engineer's securing design.
Sec. 6107.5 Protecting containers from displacement. LP-gas containers greater than or equal to 125-gallons must be anchored or strapped to prevent lateral displacement. Anchors or straps must be an approved, listed device. Methods of securing LP-gas containers 2,000-gallons or greater must be designed by a licensed professional. Sec. 6107.6 Earthquake shut-off valves. LP-gas containers greater than or equal to 125-gallons must be protected with an approved, listed earthquake shut-off device. 6107.7 Non-compliant installed LP-gas containers. Existing, non-compliant LP-gas containers must be upgraded to comply with sections 6107.5 and 6107.6 when accessory to a building undergoing a change in use or when tank is replaced or modified.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
6 layers on a seismic-safety requirement, mandating that the same 125-gallon-and-up containers be 'protected with an approved, listed earthquake shut-off device' that cuts off gas flow if the tank shifts in an earthquake. 6 once the property undergoes a change in use, or once the tank itself is replaced or modified, closing the gap for older residential propane tanks that predate the ordinance. 36A.
Violations & Fines
Installing, maintaining or upgrading an LP-gas container in Auburn without the required anchoring, strapping or earthquake shut-off device violates ACC 15.36A.051 and is enforced as a misdemeanor under ACC 15.36A.071, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, with each 10-day period of noncompliance treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what size must a propane tank in Auburn be anchored?
Does Auburn require earthquake shut-off valves on propane tanks?
Do older propane tanks in Auburn have to be retrofitted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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