Dakota County, MN Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Indoor limit
- 1-pound cylinders max
- 20-lb grill tank
- Store outdoors only
- Distance from openings
- At least 10 feet
- Code basis
- MN Fire Code / NFPA 58 6109
- Garages
- No large cylinders allowed
Summary
Under the Minnesota State Fire Code, propane (LP-gas) cylinders larger than 1 pound cannot be stored or used indoors at a home, including attached or detached garages. Twenty-pound grill tanks must be stored outdoors, away from doors, windows, and fresh-air intakes.
Cylinders larger than 1 pound must not be stored or used indoors at a residential property, including in attached and detached garages.
Full Breakdown
The Minnesota State Fire Code adopts NFPA 58 for LP-gas. State Fire Marshal guidance states 'cylinders larger than 1 pound must not be stored or used indoors at a residential property, including in attached and detached garages' - so the common 20-pound barbecue tank must be kept outside. Stored cylinders must not be near exit doors, corridors, or stairways, and DPS guidance requires outdoor cylinders be kept at least 10 feet from building openings such as windows and doors and any fresh-air intakes. This is a statewide code applied by your city fire inspector; Dakota County adds no separate propane-storage ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Improper indoor LP-gas storage is a fire-code violation; inspectors can order removal and issue citations, and it can void insurance after a loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store my grill's propane tank in the garage?
How far must an outdoor propane tank be from the house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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