Fairfield, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted in full by Fairfield (Ordinance 2022-15), governs liquefied petroleum gas. Common 20-pound (5-gallon water capacity) BBQ cylinders are exempt from permitting and may be stored outdoors with adequate ventilation; no more than two cylinders of this size are allowed inside a residence or attached garage (and not stored above grade). Tanks above 125-gallon water capacity (typically 100-gallon propane fill) require Fire Department operational permits and must meet setbacks: 10 feet from property lines and important structures for tanks up to 500 gallons, increasing with capacity. Aggregate residential storage cannot exceed 2,000 gallons water capacity in heavily populated areas without a special permit. Tanks must sit on firm noncombustible footing, be protected from vehicle impact, have working pressure relief valves, and remain 10 feet from sources of ignition and openings into buildings. Tank installation requires a building/mechanical permit, and gas-line work must be done by a licensed contractor or homeowner under permit.