Maricopa, AZ Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Storage cap
- 2,000 gallons water capacity per installation
- Applies to
- Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) storage
- Code basis
- City amendment to 2024 Int'l Fire Code
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor or civil fine
- Zoning tie-in
- Location also restricted by zoning code
Summary
Maricopa's fire code amendment limits any single liquefied petroleum gas (propane) installation to 2,000 gallons water capacity citywide, keyed to zoning-code limits for congested areas, with bulk propane tanks confined to commercial and industrial districts.
Within the limits established by the City of Maricopa Zoning Code restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2000 gallons (7570L). These additional requirements may be increased based on occupancy type or if reasonably necessary for adequate protection of life safety as determined by the fire code official. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall include an electronic Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) in a format acceptable to the fire code official. The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:
1. Storage and use areas.
2. Maximum amount of each material stored or used in each area.
3. Range of container sizes.
4. Locations of emergency isolation and mitigation valves and devices.
5. Product conveying piping containing liquids or gases, other than utility owned fuel gas lines and low-pressure fuel gas lines.
6. On and off positions of valves for valves that are of the self-indicating type.
7. Storage plan showing the intended storage arrangements, including the location and dimension of aisles.
8. The location and type of emergency equipment. The plans shall be legible and drawn approximately to scale. Separate distribution systems are allowed to be shown on separate pages.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-10, passed April 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Maricopa amended Section 6104.2 of the 2024 International Fire Code when it adopted the code at Maricopa City Code § 15.05.120: any single liquefied petroleum gas installation is capped at 2,000 gallons of water capacity, tied to limits the city's zoning code sets for heavily populated or congested areas. The fire code official can require a Hazardous Materials Management Plan and impose stricter limits for higher-risk occupancies. Above-ground bulk propane, along with propane storage tanks kept as an outdoor accessory use, is also confined to commercial and industrial districts under Title 18's screening standards, keeping large tanks off residential lots and out of front and street-side setbacks.
Violations & Fines
Violating the fire code is a Class 1 misdemeanor; the city can instead pursue a civil penalty up to $1,000 per individual or $10,000 per enterprise, per day of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum propane tank size allowed in Maricopa?
Where can propane tanks be placed in Maricopa?
What happens if a propane installation exceeds the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa
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