San Diego County, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Bulk LPG storage
- Prohibited countywide except industrial zones
- Residential exception cap
- 30,000 gallons aggregate water capacity
- Governing code
- County Fire Code § 96.1.005(d)
- Enforcing agency
- Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ)
- Small tank exemption
- ≤1,000 gal commercial tanks (§68.1117)
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County bans bulk liquefied petroleum gas storage countywide except in mixed, general, or high-impact industrial zones; up to 30,000 gallons aggregate water capacity is allowed for above-ground tanks serving residential distribution systems.
(d) Sec. 6104.2 The geographic limits in which the bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited for the protection of heavily populated and congested areas: the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego, except for areas zoned for mixed, general or high impact industrial uses. Exception: Bulk tanks with a maximum aggregate capacity of 30,000 gallons water capacity for above-ground storage of underground distribution to residential areas, where the storage and distribution meets County Fire Code requirements as determined by the FAHJ.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's local amendment to the 2025 California Fire Code, County Fire Code Sec. 96.1.005(d), prohibits bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas throughout the unincorporated area to protect heavily populated and congested areas, except in zones designated mixed, general, or high-impact industrial. The only carve-out for residential-serving supply: above-ground bulk tanks with a maximum aggregate water capacity of 30,000 gallons feeding underground distribution to residential areas, subject to County Fire Code requirements as determined by the Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ). The rule targets bulk/distribution-scale tanks rather than small cylinders, a separate exemption in Sec. 68.1117 already excuses stationary tanks of 1,000 gallons or less at commercial sites from state hazardous-materials disclosure filings.
Violations & Fines
Violating the geographic storage limits is unlawful under County Fire Code Sec. 113.4; owners must discontinue and remove violations. Many county fire districts also treat each day of noncompliance as a separate infraction or misdemeanor, fined up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a bulk propane tank on my unincorporated San Diego County property?
Does this rule cover the small propane tank behind my restaurant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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