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Montgomery County, MD Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Indoor cylinder limit
2 cylinders, 2.5 lb capacity each
Permitted indoor use
Self-contained hand torch assembly only
Bulk storage
Requires Permitting Services permit
Large installation fencing
6-ft fence over 2,000 gallons
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Permitting Services

Summary

Montgomery County caps indoor LP-gas storage in residential buildings at two small ICC-DOT cylinders (2.5 lb water capacity each) for torch-type appliances: full-size tanks must stay outside.

City-specific rules exist: Rockville has its own propane storage rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in Rockville, check the city-specific page instead.

Containers in residential buildings. LP gas containers stored in a building housing residential occupancies shall be limited to two (2) ICC-DOT cylinders with a water capacity not exceeding two and one-half (2 ½) pounds which shall be part of approved self-contained hand torch assembly or similar appliance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Montgomery County Code § 22-54(f), part of the county's Fire Safety Code (Chapter 22), limits LP-gas containers stored inside any building with residential occupancies to two ICC-DOT cylinders with a water capacity not exceeding two and one-half pounds each, and only as part of an approved self-contained hand torch assembly or similar appliance. Larger cylinders, including standard 20-pound grill tanks, cannot be stored indoors. Section 22-54(d) requires customer supply tanks to sit outside buildings, with valves safeguarded by an approved enclosure; installations exceeding 2,000 gallons aggregate water capacity need a six-foot industrial fence. Bulk storage and dispensing operations need a Department of Permitting Services permit under § 22-54(a).

Violations & Fines

Storing or handling LP gas requiring a permit without one is a misdemeanor under § 22-11(b); the Director can also suspend or revoke permits and order excess cylinders removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store a 20-pound propane tank inside my house in Montgomery County?
No. Sec. 22-54(f) limits indoor LP-gas containers in residential buildings to two 2.5-pound ICC-DOT cylinders used with a self-contained torch assembly: standard grill tanks must stay outside.
Do I need a permit to store propane at a business in Montgomery County?
Yes. Sec. 22-54(a) requires anyone operating a bulk LP-gas storage or dispensing plant to obtain a permit from the Department of Permitting Services.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

All Montgomery County rules

Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland fire regulations overview

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