Charleston follows the SC-adopted International Fire Code for residential propane storage, capping cylinder size and quantity near homes, and requires permits from CFD for larger tanks supplying gas grills, generators, and heaters.
South Carolina has adopted the International Fire Code under SC §6-9, and Charleston enforces it through its fire marshal's office. Residential storage of propane (LPG) is generally limited to a small number of DOT cylinders for grills and patio heaters, with larger above-ground tanks requiring permitting, setbacks from buildings and property lines, and bollard protection in commercial settings. After Hurricane Hugo and the 2007 Sofa Super Store fire, Charleston tightened combustible-storage enforcement. Multi-family buildings face stricter limits on balcony grills and propane storage under the IFC, with HOA rules sometimes layering additional restrictions in historic-district condos.
Over-limit residential storage triggers fire-marshal correction notices; commercial violations and unpermitted bulk tanks can generate stop-use orders, fines, and code-compliance retrofit costs.
Charleston, SC
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See how Charleston's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
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