Santa Cruz County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane (liquefied petroleum gas, LPG) storage in unincorporated Santa Cruz County follows the California Fire Code, which the county adopts and amends through County Code Chapter 7.92, and CFC Chapter 61 governs LP-gas. For a typical home, a permit is not required to use one LP-fueled cooking device per building or to store one additional cylinder of up to 20 pounds aggregate water capacity outside the building of a residential occupancy. Larger quantities and tank installations trigger permits and container-separation requirements set by CFC tables (for example, small containers under 125 gallons require minimum separation distances from buildings and lot lines, and LP-gas containers may not be installed on the roofs of buildings). Because unincorporated Santa Cruz County is largely in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, local fire-safety guidance is stricter on placement: Central Fire District directs residents to locate LPG tanks (and woodpiles) at least 30 feet from structures, fences, and other combustible materials as part of defensible space. Keep tanks upright, in well-ventilated outdoor locations, away from ignition sources, and never store propane cylinders inside a home, basement, or enclosed garage. For any stationary tank install, contact the county building department and your fire district about permits and clearances.