Propane and LP-gas storage in Bellingham are governed by Chapter 61 of the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A) adopted at BMC Chapter 17.20. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, with exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings, fully sprinklered buildings, and LP-gas containers of 2.5 pounds or less. Larger commercial LP-gas installations require a permit from Bellingham Fire Department under IFC Section 105.6. NFPA 58 supplies the technical standard.
Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 17.20 adopts the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A), which incorporates the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) effective March 15, 2024. IFC Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) governs LP-gas / propane container storage, dispensing, transportation, and use, and references NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) as the implementing standard. IFC Section 308.1.4 separately prohibits the use of any open-flame cooking device on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, with three exceptions: (1) one- and two-family dwellings; (2) buildings, balconies, and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system; and (3) LP-gas cooking devices having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 1/2 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-gas capacity). This effectively bans 20-pound propane grill tanks on apartment and condominium balconies in Bellingham while allowing small camp-stove canisters and any open-flame device at a single-family or duplex home. Permits are required under IFC Section 105.6 to store, use, or handle LP-gas in any quantity over the residential threshold; commercial dispensing and bulk LP-gas plants require an IFC operational permit and follow the NFPA 58 separation distances, tank-spacing, and overfill-protection rules. Containers must be stored upright in well-ventilated outdoor locations away from heat and ignition sources; indoor storage is sharply restricted under IFC Chapter 61. Bellingham Fire Department's Fire Marshal Office administers IFC permits and inspections under BMC Chapter 17.20.
Violations of propane / LP-gas storage and use rules are enforced by Bellingham Fire Department under BMC Chapter 17.20 (adopted 2021 Washington State Fire Code, IFC Chapter 61 and Section 308.1.4). Property managers can be cited for grills on apartment balconies under IFC Section 308.1.4. Commercial LP-gas operations without a required IFC permit are subject to stop-work and civil penalties. Contact Bellingham Fire Department at 360-778-8400.
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