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San Bernardino County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Rear setback
Up to 4 ft. encroachment allowed
Interior side setback
Propane tanks never allowed
Front/street side setback
Not allowed (Mountain Region: screened only)
Siting standard
Must follow California Fire Code
Fire-hazard compliance
Must meet § 83.01.060 standards

Summary

San Bernardino County's Development Code allows a residential propane tank to encroach up to 4 feet into the rear setback only, never the interior side yard, and requires siting per the California Fire Code.

City-specific rules exist: Chino, Victorville, and Ontario have their own propane storage rules that differ from San Bernardino County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Water tanks, propane tanks sited per California Fire Code and maintained in compliance with standards specified by § 83.01.060 (Fire Hazards) Not allowed Not allowed 4 ft. Propane tanks in Mountain Region only when sited per California Fire Code and maintained in compliance with standards specified by § 83.01.060 (Fire Hazards) Allowed when screened from view Not allowed 4 ft.

Source: San Bernardino County Fire Protection DistrictView official code

Full Breakdown

Table 83-5 under Development Code § 83.02.080 treats propane and water tanks as an allowed projection into setbacks, not a freestanding accessory structure. Countywide, a tank can extend up to 4 feet into the rear setback but is barred entirely from front, street-side, and interior-side setbacks. In the Mountain Region only, a tank can also sit in the front or street-side setback if screened from view. Every tank must be sited per the California Fire Code and kept in compliance with the fire-hazard storage standards of § 83.01.060, which sets separate capacity and setback rules for agricultural, commercial, and industrial LPG facilities.

Violations & Fines

Placing a tank outside these setback limits is an unpermitted structure violation, § 86.09.050 declares any structure maintained contrary to the Development Code a public nuisance, subject to abatement and Land Use Services enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a propane tank on my side yard property line?
No. Table 83-5 bars propane tanks from interior side setbacks entirely. The only setback a tank may encroach into is the rear yard, up to 4 feet, under Development Code § 83.02.080.
Are propane tank placement rules different in the mountains?
Yes. In the county's Mountain Region only, a tank may also sit in the front or street-side setback if screened from view; everywhere else that setback is off-limits to tanks.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino County

All San Bernardino County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

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