Shasta County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Shasta County is regulated through two layers, both adopted by the county rather than a stand-alone propane ordinance. First, the county's defensible-space rules apply directly to fuel storage: Shasta County Code Chapter 8.10 (Ordinance SCC 2025-03) requires that 'all utility generators and petroleum-based product storage (such as, but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, liquid propane, etc.) shall have a maintained firebreak of at least ten feet in all directions (around, above, and below), including all connection and ground contact points.' This means a propane tank on an urban parcel in the unincorporated county must have vegetation and combustibles cleared at least ten feet around it. Second, tank installation, sizing, and separation distances from buildings and property lines are governed by the California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9, Chapter 61 - Liquefied Petroleum Gases) and the California Mechanical/Plumbing Codes, which the county Building Division and fire authority enforce; these set container setbacks based on tank capacity and require permits and inspections for installations. Distributors generally may not fill a container requiring a permit unless an installation permit has been issued by the fire code official. Because the unincorporated county is largely high or very high fire hazard severity zone in State Responsibility Area, the defensible-space firebreak around fuel storage is especially important. Property owners installing or relocating a propane tank should confirm the required clearances and permit with the Shasta County Building Division and CAL FIRE/Shasta County Fire.