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

Under the 2022 California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases), adopted by the VCFPD under Ordinance 32, LP-gas containers must meet minimum separation distances set by container water capacity. Per the code's distance tables, aboveground containers under 125 gallons must generally be located at least 10 ft from buildings and the lot line of adjoining property that may be built upon, and containers of 125–250 gallons keep similar separations; no separation between containers is required for the smallest sizes. Small portable cylinders — such as the 20-lb barbecue tank — fall below the threshold requiring separation distances and may be used and stored without the standard setbacks when in compliance. Larger installations carry added duties: where a single LP-gas container exceeds 2,000 gallons in water capacity, or the aggregate water capacity of multiple containers exceeds 4,000 gallons, the installer must submit construction documents (CFC §6101.3). The code also caps indoor and public-facing storage of cylinders. In Ventura County's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, defensible-space clearance around tanks and proper siting away from vegetation are emphasized. Installation and permitting of stationary propane systems should be confirmed with the Ventura County Fire Department, which is the fire code official for unincorporated areas.