Kern County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Kern County Ordinance Code Chapter 17.32 adopts the 2022 California Fire Code with local amendments as the Kern County Fire Code (Ordinance G-9179, adopted November 8, 2022). Amended section 105.6.8 requires a construction permit from the Kern County Fire Department to install, alter, or modify an LP-gas container of 125 gallons water capacity or more at other than a single-family residence; section 105.6.9 requires a permit for containers of that size capable of dispensing LP-gas into other tanks. Amended section 6104.2 prohibits storage of liquefied petroleum gas in excess of an aggregate of 2,000 gallons water capacity, except in M-2 or M-3 industrial zones where the storage vessels are at least one-half mile from residentially zoned or designated property, from existing residential development denser than one dwelling unit per acre, and from any hotel or motel, and a Conditional Use Permit has been issued by the Planning and Natural Resources Department. Amended section 6108.1 requires fire protection for installations with storage containers of more than 4,000 gallons water capacity per NFPA 58 or Kern County Fire Prevention Standard, whichever is more restrictive. KCFD hazard reduction standards separately require a 10-foot clearance of all combustible material around LPG and fuel tanks.