Bakersfield, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Geographic limit standard
- BMC § 15.65.230 (CFC § 6104.2)
- Restricted zones
- Residential and commercial per zoning map
- Appliance location rule
- BMC § 15.07.040 (CMC § 303.7)
- Prohibited appliance locations
- Pit, attic, underfloor, below grade
- Enforcing agency
- City/Kern County fire MOU jurisdiction
Summary
Bakersfield restricts liquefied petroleum gas storage citywide wherever the planning department's zoning map shows a residential or commercial designation, and bars LPG-burning equipment from pits, attics, underfloor spaces or below-grade areas unless vapors can be safely vented away.
Section 6104.2 of the CFC, Geographic limits in which the storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, is amended to read as follows: Section 6104.2 (Geographic limits in which the storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas): areas of the City of Bakersfield which represent residential and commercial designations according to the City of Bakersfield planning department zoning map will be limited in the storage of liquefied petroleum gases.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
220, same 2,000-gallon dispensing cap). 030 assigns enforcement to "the fire agency with jurisdictional responsibility for the area as defined in the current memorandum of understanding between the City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern," under the supervision of that agency's fire chief. 8), reinforcing that LPG storage and handling above the geographic and quantity limits triggers both a permit and a location restriction.
Violations & Fines
Storing liquefied petroleum gas in a restricted residential or commercial zone, or installing LPG-burning equipment in a pit, attic, underfloor space or below-grade area without an approved venting method, is enforced under the Fire Code's general penalty and administrative citation authority; violations of the adopted Fire Code carry the same infraction/misdemeanor penalties as Title 15 generally, up to $1,000 or six months in jail for a misdemeanor under § 1.40.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is LPG storage restricted in Bakersfield?
Can I put a propane appliance in my attic or crawlspace?
Who enforces Bakersfield's propane and fire code rules?
Do other flammable liquids have similar storage caps?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
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