Bethlehem, PA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane storage in Bethlehem is unusually restrictive because Section 1501.05(oo) of Article 1501 amends IFC Section 6104.2 (Maximum capacity within established limits) to read: 'There shall be no storage of liquefied petroleum gas in the following City of Bethlehem Zoning Districts: RR, RS, R-RC, RG, RT, RR-F, and RR-T. In all other Zoning Districts of the City of Bethlehem, the storage of liquefied petroleum gas in any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 L).' The seven prohibited districts are all residential. As a practical matter, the prohibition is read by City staff to apply to permanent stationary propane tanks (above-ground or buried 100, 250, 500-gallon tanks of the kind used for whole-house heating); attached barbecue grills using one or two 20-pound DOT cylinders are typically treated as exempt under IFC 6109.7 because they are appliance fuel rather than 'storage.' Permit applicants who need clarity should confirm with the Bethlehem Fire Marshal. Bethlehem also defers to IFC Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) for design and installation through 1501.04. IFC 6101.2 incorporates NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) by reference for setbacks: an above-ground propane tank of 125 gallons water capacity or less must be at least 10 feet from any important building, a 125 to 500-gallon tank must be 10 feet from the building line and 10 feet from any other property line, and a 501 to 2,000-gallon tank must be 25 feet from buildings and property lines. Section 1501.05(a) deletes the 105.6.27 LP-gas operational permit requirement and 1501.05(f) deletes the 105.7.16 LP-gas construction permit requirement, meaning the underlying state Labor & Industry installer-license requirement still controls but no separate City permit is required for an otherwise allowed installation. Installation must be performed by a Pennsylvania-licensed LP-gas contractor under 35 P.S. Section 1329.3.