Huntsville, AL Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 13-31(a)(19), revising Fire Code § 6104.2
- Aggregate capacity limit
- 2,000 gallons (7,570 L) per installation
- Variance authority
- Fire code official, case by case
- Appeals board
- Board of examinations and appeals for construction
- Default penalty
- Up to $500 fine / 6 months, Sec. 1-7
Summary
Huntsville's Fire Code caps LP-gas storage in populated or congested areas at a 2,000-gallon aggregate water capacity per installation under Sec. 13-31(a)(19), revising Fire Code Section 6104.2. The fire code official can adjust the limit case by case, and violations run through the general penalty in Sec. 1-7.
(19)Section 6104.2 is revised to read as follows: "Maximum capacity within established limits. Within the limits established by any applicable law, rule, regulation, code or ordinance of the City of Huntsville, Alabama, restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7570L). Exception: In particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the fire code official, after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 2 to state that, within limits set by applicable city law restricting LP-gas storage for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 liters). The same subsection carries a built-in exception: for particular installations, the fire code official can set a different capacity limit after weighing special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to buildings, the capacity of the proposed LP-gas containers, the degree of fire protection provided, and the capabilities of the local fire department. Sec. 2). Sec. "
Violations & Fines
Sec. 13-31(c) makes any person who violates the Huntsville Fire Code, fails to comply with its requirements, or does work contrary to approved plans, the fire marshal's directives, or a permit issued under it guilty of a violation subject to the general penalty in Sec. 1-7: up to a $500.00 fine, up to six months in jail or hard labor, or both, including its continuing-violation rule that each day counts as a separate offense. Appeals of fire code interpretations or capacity determinations go to the board of examinations and appeals for construction industries under Sec. 13-32, which can also grant variances where literal enforcement would create unnecessary hardship without creating a life or property hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much propane can I store at one location in Huntsville?
Can the city allow more than 2,000 gallons at a particular site?
What's the penalty for violating the LP-gas storage limit?
Can I appeal a fire code decision on my propane storage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
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