Benton County, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BCC 3.16.025
- Geographic limit source
- IFC Section 6104.2 (2021 edition)
- Permit authority
- Benton County Fire Marshal's office
- Zoning exemptions
- None listed, unlike bulk-liquid storage rule
- First-offense penalty
- Civil penalty up to $500
- Repeat violation
- Charged as a misdemeanor
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Benton County only
Summary
Bulk liquefied petroleum gas storage is restricted countywide in unincorporated Benton County under BCC 3.16.025, which adopts the geographic limits of IFC Section 6104.2 without exempting any zoning district. Anyone wanting to install bulk LP-gas storage needs a special permit from the Benton County Fire Marshal, issued only where the storage poses no undue danger to people or property.
3.16.025 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. The geographical limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code, in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby established and shall apply to all areas in which the International Fire Code is in force; provided, however, that the Benton County Fire Marshal or designee may issue a special permit for such storage, where in the judgment of the Fire Marshal, there is no undue danger to persons or property and where such storage would not be in conflict with other Benton County codes, ordinances, or regulations.
Full Breakdown
2 of the 2021 International Fire Code, the section that defines where bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted. 023, which exempts the LI, HI, RL-5, RL-20, GMAAD and U zoning districts by name, the LP-gas section carries no list of exempted districts: the restriction shall apply to all areas in which the International Fire Code is in force, meaning it reaches every unincorporated parcel in the county, residential and rural alike. 033. The Fire Marshal will issue one only on a finding that the storage creates no undue danger to persons or property and does not conflict with other county codes or ordinances.
Permit applications go through the Fire Marshal's office in the form the office requires, and the fee is set by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners rather than fixed in the code itself. Permits are non-transferable: a change in use, occupancy, operation or ownership triggers the need for a new permit, and existing permits must be renewed at the Fire Marshal's office on or before June 1 each year, with renewal billing sent out by May 1. This chapter applies only within unincorporated Benton County; the incorporated cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Prosser adopt and enforce their own fire codes for LP-gas storage inside city limits.
Violations & Fines
BCC 3.16.045 sets the penalty for any violation of Chapter 3.16, including unpermitted bulk LP-gas storage: a first offense draws a civil penalty of up to $500, plus court costs and restitution for any resulting damage. A second or subsequent violation of the same provision is charged as a misdemeanor. The county may also seek injunctive relief under BCC 3.16.050 to force compliance and can recover the cost of that action from the violator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to store bulk propane on rural property near Prosser?
How much does a Benton County LP-gas storage permit cost?
What happens if I store bulk propane without a permit?
Does this rule apply inside Kennewick or Richland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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