Chattanooga Fire Department enforces the adopted Tennessee Fire Code on residential propane cylinder storage, capping above-ground container size and requiring setbacks from buildings, ignition sources, and property lines.
Chattanooga Fire Department applies Tennessee-adopted International Fire Code Chapter 61 to liquefied petroleum gas. Single-family homes may keep grill-size cylinders outside, but stationary tanks above 125 gallons water capacity require permits and minimum distances from openings, ignition sources, and lot lines. Cylinders must sit on a non-combustible base, valves protected, and stored upright outdoors. Storing cylinders inside basements, crawl spaces, or attached garages is prohibited. Refilling stations and dispensers need a CFD operational permit and annual inspection.
Improper indoor storage, unpermitted large tanks, or blocked valves can trigger CFD correction orders, fines, and removal of the cylinders.
See how Chattanooga's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
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