Snohomish County, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- 2018 IFC (SCC 30.53A.010)
- Propane chapter
- IFC Chapter 61 (LP-gas)
- Grill cylinders
- No permit, install per IFC
- Bulk storage
- Permit + separation distances
- Administered by
- Snohomish County Fire Marshal
Summary
Snohomish County has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code (SCC 30.53A.010), which governs liquefied-petroleum (propane) gas storage, container sizes, and installation. Small residential grill and heater cylinders are exempt from permits, but larger LP-gas storage requires code compliance and, above thresholds, a fire-code permit.
The 2018 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), except chapter 1, published by the International Code Council, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in chapter 19.27 RCW is adopted and as otherwise expressly amended by this chapter, and is incorporated and made a part of this chapter by reference. (Added by Ord. 07-087, Sept. 5, 2007, Eff date Sept. 21, 2007; Amended by Amended Ord. 11-024, Aug. 3, 2011, Eff date Aug. 18, 2011; Amended by Amended Ord. 14-059, Aug. 27, 2014, Eff date Sept. 13, 2014; Amended by Amended Ord. 17-058, Oct. 18, 2017, Eff date Nov. 9, 2017; Amended by Amended Ord. 21-031, July 14, 2021, Eff date July 25, 2021).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The county does not write its own propane rules; instead SCC 30.53A.010 adopts the 2018 International Fire Code (except chapter 1) as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council. IFC Chapter 61 sets LP-gas requirements for container placement, separation distances, and aggregate quantities. Typical backyard grill and patio-heater cylinders (roughly 20-100 lb capacity) are handled under manufacturer and IFC installation rules without a permit; larger residential or bulk LP-gas storage triggers IFC permitting and separation standards. For a specific installation, contact the Snohomish County Fire Marshal, who administers the adopted fire code in the unincorporated county.
Violations & Fines
Enforced under the adopted fire code; fire-code violations are subject to penalties as prescribed by law and chapter 30.85 SCC, and the fire marshal may order correction or removal of non-compliant storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store propane tanks for my grill at home?
Which propane code applies in unincorporated Snohomish County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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