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

Tehama County does not publish a stand-alone propane ordinance; LP-gas storage is regulated by the California Fire Code (adopted countywide as part of the state building/fire codes) and NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, enforced in unincorporated areas by CAL FIRE / Tehama County Fire. Under California Fire Code Chapter 61, the storage, handling, and transportation of LP-gas must comply with NFPA 58 and be approved by the fire code official. CFC Table 6104.3 sets separation distances by container water capacity: an aboveground container of 125–500 gallons must be at least 10 feet from buildings, important structures, the property line, and lines of adjoining property that can be built upon; 501–2,000 gallon containers require 25 feet; and aboveground containers of 2,000 gallons or less must be at least 5 feet from a public way. LP-gas containers may not be located inside buildings or in basements, pits, or below-grade areas where heavier-than-air gas could accumulate. In addition, because much of Tehama County is in a State Responsibility Area, a defensible-space clearance of 10 feet around a propane tank is recommended under PRC 4291. Larger installations may require a fire department operational permit. Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations also applies to LP-gas use.