Bellingham, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- LP-gas (propane) storage limits
- Trigger standard
- IFC § 6104.2
- Zones covered
- Nearly all developed zoning districts
- Local ordinance
- BMC 17.20.090
- Enforced by
- Bellingham Fire Code official
Summary
Bellingham applies the International Fire Code's liquefied-petroleum-gas storage restriction to nearly every developed zoning district in the city under a local geographic-limits ordinance.
The limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the International Fire Code, in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby established as those zones designated residential single, residential multi, commercial, planned residential, planned commercial, and institutional by the land use development ordinance, BMC Title 20. [Ord. 2024-03-010 § 9; Ord. 2021-01-002 § 9; Ord. 2016-08-027 § 6; Ord. 2013-06-040 § 8; Ord. 2010-06-038; Ord. 2007-07-057. Formerly 17.20.080].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 17.20.090, Geographic limits, establishes where IFC §6104.2's restriction on liquefied petroleum gas storage applies: the residential single, residential multi, commercial, planned residential, planned commercial, and institutional zones designated under the city's land use development ordinance, BMC Title 20. The same section sets parallel geographic limits for above-ground Class I/II liquid storage and flammable cryogenic fluid storage, all tied to the same zoning list. The Fire Code official enforces the restriction citywide within those zones.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding LP-gas storage limits in a restricted zone is enforced as a fire code violation under BMC 17.20.020 §110.4: a civil infraction of $100 to $1,000, or a gross misdemeanor for knowing or reckless violations, punishable by up to $5,000 and 364 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Bellingham restrict propane storage?
Who enforces propane storage limits in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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