Fairfax County, VA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- 10 gallons aggregate outdoor storage
- Permit duration
- 30 days
- Residential exemption
- Single- and two-family dwellings
- Enforcing agency
- Fairfax County Fire Marshal's Office
Summary
Fairfax County requires a Fire Marshal operational permit for outdoor LP-gas storage or use over 10 gallons aggregate per event, but single- and two-family dwellings are exempt from that permit.
LP-Gas: An operational permit is required for storage and/or use outside, portable installation, per event, more than 10 gallons aggregate (30-day permit). Exception: Single- and two-family dwellings. $104 63 6106 6109 LP-Gas: An operational permit is required for:
a. Dispensing and Cylinder Refill Location ..... .
b. Retail cylinder exchange location ..... .
c. Automated cylinder exchange location ..... . $195 $195 $195 64 315.2 Miscellaneous Combustible Storage: Storage inside any building or upon any premises - in excess of 2500 cubic feet. $195 65 107.2 Mobile food preparation vehicle: A permit is required for mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease laden vapors. $195 66 301.2 Open Burning: An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground, as follows:
a. Bonfire (10 Day Permit) .....
b. Silvicultural / Controlled Burning (90 Day Permit) ..... $195 $195
67
Full Breakdown
The county's Fire Prevention Code amendments to the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, in Table 107.2 under Section 6101.2, require an operational permit from the Fire Marshal's Office for outdoor, portable LP-gas storage or use exceeding 10 gallons aggregate per event, valid for 30 days. Single- and two-family dwellings are expressly excepted, so a homeowner's backyard propane tank for a grill or portable heater does not trigger the permit. Larger commercial or event-related outdoor LP-gas storage above the threshold requires the permit before installation.
Violations & Fines
Storing or using outdoor LP-gas without the required permit violates the Fire Prevention Code; Chapter 62's penalty clause makes such violations a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard propane tank in Fairfax County?
What triggers the LP-gas permit requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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