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

Propane (liquefied petroleum gas) storage in unincorporated Lake County is regulated by the California Fire Code, which the county adopts through its Building Regulations (county Code Chapter 5). Chapter 61 of the Fire Code governs LP-gas. Section 6109 covers the storage of portable LP-gas containers of 1,000 pounds water capacity or less. Stored containers must be located to minimize exposure to excessive temperature rise, physical damage, or tampering. Section 6109.7 prohibits storing LP-gas containers 'in a basement, pit or similar location where heavier-than-air gas might collect,' and Section 6109.6 prohibits storing containers on roofs when not connected for use. Separation distances for cylinders stored outside buildings are set by Table 6109.12, scaling with the quantity stored. For larger installations, Section 6101.3 requires construction documents (and therefore a permit) when 'a single LP-gas container is more than 2,000 gallons in water capacity or the aggregate water capacity of containers is more than 4,000 gallons.' Installation and tank setbacks must also follow NFPA 58 (the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code), which the Fire Code references. Because Lake County is largely in high and very-high fire hazard zones, propane tanks should also be kept within cleared defensible space. Homeowners installing or relocating tanks should confirm permit requirements with the Lake County Building Department and the serving fire protection district.