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

Tulare County Ordinance Code Section 7-15-1115 adopts the 2022 California Fire Code as the county Fire Code, enforced by the Tulare County Fire Chief in unincorporated areas. Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas, propane) is regulated under adopted California Fire Code Chapter 61, which incorporates NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code). Typical household barbecue and patio cylinders (commonly 20-lb / 5-gallon bottles) are below the permit threshold for ordinary residential use, but the Fire Code requires an operational permit to store, use, or handle LP-gas above the listed quantities (generally more than 125 gallons aggregate water capacity for installations), and a construction permit to install or modify an LP-gas tank system. LP-gas containers must meet location and separation distances from buildings, property lines, and sources of ignition based on tank size, be protected from vehicle impact and tampering, and sit on a noncombustible, stable base. The adopted Fire Code also limits the indoor storage and display of portable cylinders. In high fire hazard and State Responsibility Area parcels, defensible-space clearance around tanks supports compliance with PRC 4291.