Bonner County, ID Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane tanks get a short, specific carve-out in the Bonner County Revised Code. Section 11-101 requires a building location permit from the planning department for any structure placed in unincorporated Bonner County, and section 11-219 defines "structure" to include tanks. The definition then lists exceptions, and the last group has three items: fences not over eight feet, retaining walls not over four feet, and, under item Q, residential propane tanks not exceeding one thousand (1,000) gallons. That group is subject to the land use standards in Title 12 but not subject to the setback standards specified in title 12 chapter 4. Section 11-103 states that the provisions of Title 11 do not apply to the structures listed as exceptions, so a residential tank within the line does not need the building location permit.

The 1,000 gallon figure is a ceiling on the exception. A tank above it is not listed, which leaves it inside the permit rule in section 11-101, and the Planning Director examines such a permit for setbacks, permitted use and agency authorizations under section 11-112. Section 11-110 B also bars a building location permit for a commercial, residential, industrial or public building or structure without prior approval from the applicable fire district and sewer district. Section 11-103 adds that an exception from permit requirements does not authorize work in violation of the Code or any other county, state or federal law.

Two Title 12 standards address flammable storage more broadly. Section 12-421 A, the fire hazard performance standard, says any activity involving the use or storage of flammable or explosive materials has to be protected by adequate firefighting and fire prevention equipment and kept at a distance from adjacent activities compatible with the potential fire danger, as specified in the international fire code as adopted by the state of Idaho. Section 12-487 A addresses bulk storage: above ground storage of flammable liquids, fuel, gases or combustible materials can be permitted only for quantities over twenty thousand (20,000) gallons, with the most restrictive state, local and federal fire codes and fire insurance underwriter's requirements complied with, and nothing flammable is stored below the surface of any lake, river, stream or water body in Bonner County.