Billings, MT Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Aggregate cap
- 2,000 gallons per installation
- Bulk storage zones
- Heavy commercial/light/heavy industrial only
- Enforced by
- Fire Prevention Bureau
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Billings caps liquefied petroleum gas storage under its adopted Fire Code at 2,000 gallons aggregate capacity per installation and confines outdoor above-ground tanks to heavy commercial and industrial zones.
"Section 6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. For the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the storage of liquefied petroleum gas shall not exceed the aggregate capacity of 2,000 gallons for any one installation. Storage of liquefied petroleum gas in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is restricted within the limits established by the City of Billings Zoning Code."
On page 80-12, Referenced Standards, change NFPA 407-17 to NFPA 407-12.
(Ord. No. 14-5633, §§ 1, 2, 12-8-14; Ord. No. 23-5855, § 1, 10-9-23; Ord. No. 24-5897, § 1, 11-12-24)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 24-5897, § 1, adopted November 12, 2024, changed the title of section 14-301 from "Adoption by reference of the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code" to "Adoption by reference of the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code." The historical notation has been preserved for reference purposes.
State Law reference— Adoption of codes by reference, MCA 7-5-108.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings' 2021 International Fire Code amendments (Sec. 14-301) rewrite IFC Section 6104.2 so that, to protect heavily populated or congested areas, no single LP-gas installation may exceed 2,000 gallons aggregate capacity. A companion provision, Sec. 14-305, restricts bulk above-ground LP-gas storage to areas zoned heavy commercial, light industrial and heavy industrial, meaning ordinary residential and general commercial lots fall outside the districts where bulk storage is allowed. The fire prevention bureau, operating under the city administrator, enforces both limits as part of the adopted Fire Code.
Violations & Fines
Violating the adopted Fire Code, including the LP-gas storage limits, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both; each 10 days a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a bulk propane tank at my Billings home?
How much propane can one installation store in Billings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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