Carmichael, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Sacramento County does not publish a unique residential propane ordinance; storage is governed by California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) as adopted and enforced by the responsible fire agency (often Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District). Key residential points: a permit is generally not required to use one LP-gas cooking device per residence or to store one additional cylinder, and small 1-pound (nominal) camping cylinders are broadly exempt. LP-gas containers are not permitted to be stored inside buildings (including garages) except for small approved cylinders and listed equipment; standard 20-pound BBQ tanks should be stored outdoors. For portable containers awaiting use or resale (such as a cylinder-exchange cage), CFC Section 6109 and Table 6109.12 set separation distances based on aggregate quantity - 720 pounds or less may be located with zero required separation from an important building or property line, while larger quantities require greater distances. Section 6109.10 caps LP-gas stored in one location inside buildings not open to the public at 735 pounds water capacity. Vegetation, weeds, and combustibles must be kept clear around tanks. Above-threshold installations and bulk storage require a fire-code permit and inspection; larger above-ground tank installations may also implicate the California Above-Ground Petroleum Storage Act for very large aggregate capacities. Owners should confirm the exact tank-size limits and setbacks for their parcel with the Sacramento Metro Fire prevention office.