San Diego County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane (liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG) storage in unincorporated San Diego County is governed by the County Consolidated Fire Code, which adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. County Sec. 6104.2 establishes that the geographic limits in which the bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited - for protection of heavily populated and congested areas - is 'the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego, except for areas zoned for mixed, general or high impact industrial uses.' This effectively bans large commercial LPG bulk plants outside industrial zones. The code includes an exception allowing bulk tanks with a maximum aggregate capacity of 30,000 gallons water capacity for above-ground storage of underground distribution to residential areas, where the storage meets Fire Code requirements as determined by the Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ). Ordinary residential propane (such as a household tank for heating or a barbecue cylinder) is allowed but must comply with the California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) for tank siting, separation distances, and installation - typically requiring permits for larger fixed tanks. The County similarly restricts flammable cryogenic fluid storage (Sec. 5806.2) and aboveground Class I/II flammable-liquid tanks in the unincorporated area. Tank vehicles may not be used in a stationary manner as a substitute for an approved permanent fuel tank.