Palm Beach County, FL Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback trigger
- Tanks 3 feet or taller
- Setback standard
- Zoning setback or Fire Code, whichever greater
- Screening
- Opaque barrier as tall as tank
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Palm Beach County only
- Citation
- ULDC Art. 5.B.1.A.7
Summary
Above-ground propane and LP-gas tanks three feet or taller in unincorporated Palm Beach County must meet the zoning district's yard setback or the Florida Building and Fire Prevention Codes' minimum clearance, whichever is greater, plus opaque screening near visible residential property.
Above-ground accessory fuel, gas, or chemical storage tanks, three feet or greater in height shall be
subject to the zoning district setbacks or the minimum setbacks required by the Florida Building and
Fire Prevention Codes, whichever is greater, and screening. New and replacement storage tanks shall
be screened from view if adjacent to a residential use or FLU designation and visible from an adjacent
R-O-W. The screening shall consist of an opaque barrier or equivalent landscaping a minimum height
equal to the highest point of the storage tanks. [Ord. 2019-034]
8. Dumpsters Each use shall provide a method for the removal of refuse when individual collection, from a licensed
solid waste hauler is not provided. All outdoor receptacles for the storage and disposal of refuse,
vegetation, and recyclable material, such as dumpsters, trash compactors, and recycling containers,
shall meet the following standards:
a. Storage Area A minimum of one refuse container and one recycling container shall be provided for each non-
residential project and Multifamily projects with 16 units or more. All outdoor receptacles shall be
stored in a storage area. Storage areas shall have a minimum dimension of ten feet by ten feet.
[Ord. 2018-002] [Ord. 2021-023]
b. Location Shall be located to minimize turning and back-up movements by pick-up and removal vehicles, and
Full Breakdown
Palm Beach County's Unified Land Development Code treats home propane and LP-gas tanks as accessory fuel storage. Any above-ground tank three feet or taller must sit back at least as far as the zoning district's yard setback or the Florida Building and Fire Prevention Codes' minimum clearance, whichever distance is greater. New or replacement tanks visible from a right-of-way and adjacent to residential property must be screened with an opaque barrier or equivalent landscaping at least as tall as the top of the tank. The rule applies only in unincorporated Palm Beach County; Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter enforce their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Installing or replacing an above-ground propane tank without meeting the required setback or screening is a Unified Land Development Code violation, enforced through PBC code enforcement citations and required corrective action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special permit for a propane tank in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
Does this setback rule apply inside Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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