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

Mendocino County does not publish a propane-specific ordinance separate from the adopted California Fire Code, which incorporates NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) for the installation and storage of LP-gas containers. Under NFPA 58 separation distances, an aboveground container with a water capacity between 125 and 500 gallons - the common residential range - must be located at least 10 feet from any important building and from the line of adjoining property that can be built upon. Larger containers between 501 and 1,000 gallons require at least 25 feet of separation. Fill connections, relief valve discharge points, and vent openings must be at least 10 feet from any building opening such as a window, door, or vent, and from ignition sources like electrical panels or air-conditioning condensers. Because most of inland unincorporated Mendocino County is high or very high fire hazard State Responsibility Area, defensible space clearance around tanks and vegetation management near gas piping are practical priorities, and local fire agencies or the State Fire Marshal may impose additional conditions. Installation of fixed propane systems is also subject to permitting and inspection through Mendocino County Planning and Building Services.