San Mateo County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG/propane) storage in unincorporated San Mateo County is governed by the California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases), which adopts NFPA 58, enforced by CAL FIRE / the San Mateo County Fire Marshal. Under the code, the storage and handling of LP-gas and the installation and maintenance of related equipment must comply with NFPA 58 and be subject to the approval of the fire code official. Container limits: the aggregate capacity of any one installation in residential areas is limited (the code caps installations at a water capacity of 2,000 gallons or less in such areas, with smaller per-property limits typical for single-family dwellings; the fire code official sets capacity based on the nature of the facility, proximity to buildings, and fire protection). Above-ground LP-gas containers of 2,000 gallons water capacity or less must be separated from public ways by at least 5 feet, with larger setbacks for bigger tanks per NFPA 58 location tables. Permits are required as set forth in the code (Sections 105.5 and 105.6), and a distributor may not fill a container requiring a permit unless an installation permit has been issued for that location by the fire code official. Tank vehicles may not be left unattended on residential streets or within 500 feet of a residential area, apartment or hotel complex, school, hospital, or care facility. Standard 20-lb BBQ cylinders are subject to the code's small-cylinder provisions but should be stored outdoors, not inside buildings or garages. In the county's high wildfire areas, vegetation must be cleared around tanks.