In Durham, propane cylinders are governed by the NC Fire Code and NFPA 58. On combustible apartment balconies, only a small cylinder of 2.5 pounds water capacity or less (a 1-lb camping bottle) is allowed; standard 20-lb grill tanks are banned there. Single-family homes are exempt.
NC Fire Code Section 308 bars operating or storing LP-gas cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multifamily buildings, except LP containers with a water capacity of 2.5 pounds or less (about a 1-lb camping cylinder). A typical 20-lb grill tank therefore cannot be kept on an apartment balcony, whether in use or not. For general storage, NFPA 58 - adopted by North Carolina - prohibits storing filled cylinders indoors or in basements. Cylinders must sit upright, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.
Fire marshals may order improperly stored cylinders removed; multifamily balcony storage of standard tanks is a fire-code violation subject to correction orders and fines.
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See how Durham County's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
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