Chico, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential permit exemption
- under 125 gal. water capacity, Group R-3
- Site-wide storage cap
- 2,000 gal. outside commercial/industrial zones
- Local citation
- Chico Municipal Code §§ 16R.42.050, .010
- Amends
- CFC §§ 6104.3 and 105.6.27
Summary
Chico, California caps liquefied petroleum gas storage at 2,000 gallons water capacity per site outside commercial and industrial zones, and requires a fire permit for most LP-gas storage under amended Chico Municipal Code § 16R.42.050 and § 16R.42.010.
For purposes of CFC Section 6104.3 pertaining to restrictions on the container location for storage of liquefied petroleum gases, the storage of liquefied petroleum gases at a single location in excess of 2,000 gallons water capacity shall be prohibited in all zoning districts of the City except for: A. C-2 General Commercial...; E. ML Light Manufacturing/Industrial...; and G. MP Manufacturing/Industrial Park zoning districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Amending CFC Section 6104.3, Chico Municipal Code § 16R.42.050 prohibits storing liquefied petroleum gas in excess of 2,000 gallons water capacity at a single location in any zoning district except C-2, CC, CS, C-1, ML, MG, and MP commercial/industrial districts, so residential and most other zones are capped at that threshold. Separately, § 16R.42.010(C)(2) amends CFC Section 105.6.27 to require an operational fire permit for LP-gas storage and use, but exempts individual containers of less than 125-gallon water capacity, or multiple-container systems totaling 125 gallons or less, serving Group R-3 (residential) occupancies, covering typical household propane tanks like barbecue and small backup tanks.
Violations & Fines
Storing LP-gas above the permitted threshold for the zone, or without the required fire permit outside the small-residential-tank exception, is enforced as a fire regulation violation by the fire marshal under Chico Municipal Code Chapter 16.52, which can lead to a correction order, permit revocation, or infraction penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a home propane tank in Chico?
How much propane can be stored at one site in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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