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

No Sutter County-specific propane (liquefied petroleum gas) ordinance was identified; propane storage is regulated through the California Fire Code, which adopts NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. For households, small portable cylinders such as those used for barbecues are permitted, with limits on the quantity stored and requirements to keep cylinders upright, secured, and away from building openings, basements, and ignition sources. The Fire Code restricts the aggregate quantity of LP-gas stored on residential property and limits storage inside buildings. Larger stationary tanks - common on rural and agricultural parcels for home heating, water heating, or farm use - must meet NFPA 58 separation distances based on tank water capacity; aboveground containers must be set back prescribed minimum distances from buildings, property lines, and sources of ignition (the required distance increases with tank size). Tanks of 125 gallons or more, and bulk LP-gas plants, generally require a fire-code operational/installation permit from the local fire authority, and installations must be by qualified personnel with proper anchoring, protection from vehicle impact, and gas-leak safeguards. Because much of Sutter County is rural and agricultural, larger propane tanks are common, and owners should confirm permit and setback requirements with the fire authority having jurisdiction (county fire / CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit) before installing or relocating a tank.