Fort Worth, TX Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- 2021 IFC as amended, City Code § 13-1/§13-2
- Home exemption
- up to 500 gal aggregate, Group R-3 occupancy
- Temporary-use exemption
- containers of 125 gallons or less
- Also permitted
- cargo tankers transporting LP-gas
- Life-safety violation fine
- up to $2,000 per offense
- Late permit fee penalty
- misdemeanor after 45 days unpaid
Summary
Fort Worth's Fire Code amendments require an operational permit for LP-gas storage and use citywide under City Code § 13-2, which amends IFC § 105.5.29. Homes are exempt up to 500 gallons of aggregate container capacity, and temporary containers of 125 gallons or less never need a permit.
Section 105.5.29 - Change to read as follows: 105.5.29 LP-gas. An operational permit is required for: 1. Storage and use of LP-gas. Exceptions: 1. 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. 2. An operational permit is not required for temporary use of individual containers with one hundred twenty-five (125) gallon (473 L) water capacity or less. 2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas.
Full Breakdown
Under § 13-2's rewrite of IFC § 105.5.29, an operational permit is required both for the storage and use of LP-gas and, separately, for operating cargo tankers that transport LP-gas. Two exceptions cover most homeowners: individual containers, or multiple-container systems in aggregate, up to 500 gallons of water capacity serving a Group R-3 (typical one- and two-family) occupancy need no permit, and temporary use of a container of 125 gallons or less never triggers the requirement regardless of occupancy. This sits within Chapter 13's 2021 International Fire Code adoption under § 13-1, and permit fees run through Appendix H. Under § 105.1.7, operational permit fees must be paid within 45 days of the statement date; missing that window is itself a misdemeanor, with each day of delinquency a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement runs through § 13-4: any violation tied to life safety, which includes unpermitted LP-gas storage above the exempt thresholds, is fined up to $2,000 per offense under § 1-6(c), while other fire code provisions cap at $500, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a propane tank at my Fort Worth house?
What about a small propane tank for a party or event?
What happens if I store LP-gas without a required permit?
Does a company hauling propane in Fort Worth need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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