Bloomington, IL Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Bloomington City Code §§ 17-502, 17-503
- Permit required from
- Bureau of Fire Prevention
- Installation standard
- Must comply with PA Standard 58
- Fence height
- Industrial fence at least six feet high
- Emergency access
- At least two remote access points required
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, anyone installing liquefied petroleum gas equipment such as propane tanks must first get a permit from the Bureau of Fire Prevention and build to PA Standard 58, including an industrial-type fence at least six feet high with two remote emergency-access points around the storage area.
A permit shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention for each installation, said permit to be obtained before gas consuming burner or appliance is installed. ... No person shall use or permit any liquefied petroleum gas installations except: A. In compliance with PA Standard 58; and B. In an area (which includes container appurtenances) protected by an industrial type fence not less than six feet high, unless otherwise adequately protected, and containing not less than two remote means of emergency access from the fenced area.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17, Article V of the Bloomington City Code regulates liquefied petroleum gas, defined to include propane, propylene, and butane along with all the containers, piping, and appliances used to store and handle it. Before any gas-consuming burner or appliance is connected, the installer must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Fire Prevention under Bloomington City Code § 17-502. Installation itself is only lawful if it complies with PA Standard 58, the LP-gas storage and handling standard, and if the storage area sits inside an industrial-type fence at least six feet high, unless the installation is otherwise adequately protected.
That fenced area must also keep at least two remote means of emergency access open at all times, so firefighters or the tank owner can reach the equipment quickly during an incident. Chapter 17 separately restricts bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas to the City's designated fire limits districts and requires City Council approval for new bulk plants handling volatile fuels. The Bureau of Fire Prevention, part of the Bloomington Fire Department, issues the LP-gas installation permit, inspects the fenced enclosure for compliance, and enforces the fencing and access requirements against homeowners, contractors, and commercial tank owners alike within the City limits.
Violations & Fines
Using or permitting an LP-gas installation without a Bureau of Fire Prevention permit, without meeting PA Standard 58, or without the required six-foot industrial fence and two emergency access points violates Bloomington City Code § 17-503. The Bureau of Fire Prevention inspects installations and can order noncompliant tanks, piping or fencing corrected before the appliance may be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a propane tank in Bloomington?
How tall does my propane tank fence have to be in Bloomington?
Can my propane tank enclosure have just one way in or out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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