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Fort Worth, TX Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 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.

Source: Fort Worth City CodeView official code

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?
Not if your total LP-gas container capacity is 500 gallons or less and the property is a Group R-3 (typical single-family) occupancy; that's an express exception under Fire Code § 105.5.29 as amended by City Code § 13-2.
What about a small propane tank for a party or event?
Temporary use of a container holding 125 gallons of water capacity or less never needs an operational permit under the same exception in § 105.5.29.
What happens if I store LP-gas without a required permit?
It's enforced under § 13-4: violations tied to life safety carry fines up to $2,000 per offense, with every day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense.
Does a company hauling propane in Fort Worth need a permit?
Yes. Section 105.5.29(2), as locally amended, requires an operational permit for operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas, separate from the storage permit.

Sources & Official References

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