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

LP-gas storage and use in unincorporated Monterey County is governed by Chapter 61 of the California Fire Code and NFPA 58, adopted locally through County Code Chapter 18.09 (Fire Code) and enforced by CAL FIRE and the county fire districts. Containers must be located with respect to buildings and adjoining property lines in accordance with Fire Code Table 6104.3; the required separation distance increases with container size (for example, larger stationary containers in the 125–500 gallon range commonly require about 10 feet of separation, and 501–2,000 gallon containers about 25 feet), and the aggregate water capacity of any one installation generally may not exceed 2,000 gallons. Containers under 125-gallon water capacity may be allowed without a separation distance when installed per the Fire Code's conditions. For barbecue and patio use, the California Fire Code limits LP-gas: the small portable cylinders used with grills (water capacity not over 2.5 pounds) are the only LP-gas cooking devices generally allowed near combustible construction, and a disconnected grill tank may not be stored on a combustible balcony, within 10 feet of combustible construction, or inside an enclosed structure. Because much of the county is in a very high fire hazard severity zone, keep tanks clear of vegetation and combustibles and follow defensible space rules. Larger installations and bulk storage typically require a fire-district permit.