Yakima County, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt propane
- 500 gallons or less, single or combined, Group R-3
- Above threshold
- Operational and construction permit both required
- Tank-to-stack clearance
- 10 ft from combustible fruit/vegetable bin stacks
- Issuing office
- Fire Marshal's Office, Building & Fire Safety Division
- Violation
- Misdemeanor or civil infraction, per-day offense
Summary
Yakima County requires a Fire Code permit before installing, modifying or using an LP-gas system, but exempts small residential-scale tanks: containers of 500 gallons water capacity or less, or multiple-tank systems totaling 500 gallons or less, need no permit when serving a Group R-3 home or seasonal agricultural weather protection.
105.6.27 LP-gas. An operational permit is required for: 1. Storage and use of LP-gas. Exception: A permit is not required for individual containers with a 500-gallon (1893 L) water capacity or less or multiple container systems having an aggregate quantity not exceeding 500 gallons (1893 L), serving occupancies in Group R-3 or when used for seasonal weather protection in agricultural operations. ... 105.7.16 LP-gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an LP-gas system. Exception: A permit is not required for individual containers with a 500-gallon (1893 L) water capacity or less or multiple container systems having an aggregate quantity not exceeding 500 gallons (1893 L), when used for seasonal weather protection in agricultural operations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4871853; v6 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
7 to set permit rules for LP-gas (propane) storage and installation. 27 states: "An operational permit is required for: 1. Storage and use of LP-gas. 16, requires a permit to install or modify an LP-gas system, with the same 500-gallon residential and seasonal-agricultural exception; routine maintenance under the code is not treated as a modification requiring a permit. 24. 075 requires at least 10 feet of separation between a tank holding 500 water gallons and the stack, with protective barriers required if the tank could be struck by forklifts or other vehicles.
Violations & Fines
Installing, modifying or operating an LP-gas system above the 500-gallon exemption without the required Fire Code permit is enforced under YCC Section 13.10.065 as an IFC Section 110 violation, allowing the Fire Marshal's Office to issue a notice of violation and, if unresolved, seek a misdemeanor citation or civil infraction under YCC Chapter 13.25, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much propane can I store at home without a permit in Yakima County?
What if my propane tank is larger than 500 gallons?
How close can a propane tank be to stored farm bins?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
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