Chelan County, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- No open-flame cooking within 10 feet of combustibles
- Exempt container size
- LP-gas container ≤ 2 1/2 lbs water capacity
- Also exempt
- One- and two-family dwellings; sprinklered buildings
- Enforcing agency
- Chelan County Fire Marshal / Fire Prevention Dept.
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Chelan County's amended fire code bans charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, but exempts LP-gas cooking devices whose propane container holds no more than two and a half pounds of water capacity, roughly a one-pound nominal LP-gas cylinder, along with one- and two-family homes and sprinklered buildings.
308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. Exceptions: 1. One- and two-family dwellings. 2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 3. LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 1/2-pounds [nominal 1-pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity].
Full Breakdown
4. The general rule bars charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices from combustible balconies or from operating within 10 feet of combustible construction, a restriction aimed mainly at multi-family and commercial buildings with balconies. Three exceptions apply: one- and two-family dwellings are excepted outright; buildings, balconies and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system are excepted; and LP-gas cooking devices are excepted if the LP-gas container has a water capacity no greater than 2 1/2 pounds (a nominal 1-pound LP-gas cylinder), covering small personal camp-stove or portable-grill canisters rather than a standard 20-pound barbecue tank.
A standard 20-pound propane grill cylinder used on a covered building's balcony within 10 feet of combustible construction is not covered by the exception and remains subject to the general ban. 04. This provision governs open-flame cooking devices specifically; the county has not separately codified a general propane storage-tank siting or quantity rule for residential properties.
Violations & Fines
Operating a noncompliant open-flame cooking device, including a propane grill using a container larger than the 2 1/2-pound exception, on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction violates Section 3.04.080(4) and Section 308.1.4 of the amended International Fire Code. It's a misdemeanor under Section 3.04.020, fined up to $500.00 or 90 days in jail per day the violation continues, enforced by the Fire Marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane grill on my balcony in Chelan County?
What size propane canister is allowed for balcony cooking?
Who enforces Chelan County's open-flame cooking rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelan County
Compare Chelan County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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