Multnomah County, OR Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Exemption threshold
- 1,000 gallons or less
- Placement limit
- within 100 ft of structure
- Applies in
- SEC Overlay zones only
- Pipe crossings
- must use directional boring
- Coverage
- unincorporated county, not Portland
Summary
In unincorporated Multnomah County's Significant Environmental Concern overlay zones, propane and heating oil tanks up to 1,000 gallons are exempt from an SEC development permit if placed within 100 feet of an existing lawful structure.
Heating oil, propane and similar tanks up to 1,000 gallon capacity placed within 100 feet of a lawfully existing structure provided any pipes crossing through SEC-s, SECwr, or SEC-w areas are provided by directional boring.
(d) Mechanical equipment such as heating and air conditioning units, heat pumps, ventilation and air filtration systems, electrical boxes, back-up power generators and energy storage systems, water pumps, and similar equipment placed within 100 feet of a lawfully existing structure provide any pipes
or conduit crossing through the SEC-s or SEC-w are provided by directional boring.
(e) Placement of antennas and satellite dishes on an existing lawfully established structure.
(f) Concrete slabs, parking areas, and similar low profile structures no taller than 36 inches above initial grade.
(g) Any modification or alteration to an existing exterior wall of a lawfully established structure that will be 100% screened from all IVAs by the structure itself.
(B) Farm use, as defined in ORS 215.203(2)(a), including buildings and structures accessory to a farm use do not require an SEC permit except in the following situations:
(1) Within the West of Sandy River Planning Area, an SEC-wr and/or SEC-sw permit is required for agricultural buildings, structures and development associated with farm practices and agricultural uses, except that agricultural fences shall not require an SEC-wr and/or SECsw permit.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 39.5515 lists installations exempt from the Significant Environmental Concern (SEC) Overlays permit. Among them: heating oil, propane, and similar tanks up to 1,000 gallon capacity placed within 100 feet of a lawfully existing structure, provided any pipe crossing an SEC-s, SEC-wr, or SEC-w area is installed by directional boring rather than open trenching. The exemption only applies on parcels mapped with an SEC Overlay (streams, wetlands, scenic waterways, scenic views, or wildlife habitat) in unincorporated county land. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village have their own codes and are not covered.
Violations & Fines
A tank over 1,000 gallons, placed more than 100 feet from an existing structure, or with unbored piping through SEC-s/SEC-wr/SEC-w areas loses the exemption and needs SEC permit review first; per MCC 39.1250 the County withholds building permits and approvals until the property is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if I live in Portland?
Do I need a permit for a home propane tank in the SEC overlay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon fire regulations overview
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