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New York, NY Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Home storage limit: 4 containers per dwelling unit
Per-container cap: 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg)
Below-grade storage: Prohibited in cellars/basements
Combustible clearance: 10 feet minimum
Outdoor storage cap: 400 pounds citywide
Absolute container cap: 100 pounds anywhere, unpermitted

Summary

New York City limits LPG (propane) storage in one- to three-family and multiple-dwelling occupancies to four containers per dwelling unit, each capped at 16.4 ounces. Cellar, basement or below-grade storage of any LPG container is flatly prohibited citywide under the Fire Code.

6103.2.1.8 Residential storage. LPG container storage in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies shall not exceed four containers per dwelling unit, each container having a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG. Storage of such LPG containers in a basement, cellar or other area below grade is prohibited.

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Full Breakdown

The NYC Fire Code, enacted as Chapter 61 of Title 29 of the Administrative Code, sets a hard numeric ceiling on home propane storage. 4 kg)' anywhere without FDNY approval. 1). 3 requires LPG containers be kept a minimum of 10 feet from vegetation, rubbish and other combustible materials. 12 and must sit at least 20 feet from building openings and vehicle fuel dispensers. 1).

Violations & Fines

FDNY enforces Chapter 61 as a Fire Code violation; inspectors who find more than four containers per dwelling unit, oversized cylinders, below-grade storage or roof storage can issue a Notice of Violation and order the excess LPG removed or the condition corrected. Connecting or disconnecting a container over 16.4 ounces without a certificate of fitness under FC 6101.5.1 exposes the certificate holder to suspension or revocation, and delivering LPG to an unpermitted location violates FC 6101.2.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much propane can I keep in my NYC home?

Up to four LPG containers per dwelling unit in a one-, two-family or multiple dwelling, and each container is capped at 16.4 ounces under FC 6103.2.1.8. That is roughly the size of a small camp-stove cylinder, not a standard 20-pound barbecue tank.

Can I store a propane tank in my basement?

No. FC 6103.2.1.8 and FC 6109.7 both prohibit storing LPG containers in a cellar, basement, pit or other area below grade anywhere in the city, regardless of size.

Is a standard 20-pound BBQ propane tank legal to store at home?

Not for indoor or general residential storage: FC 6105.3(5) makes it unlawful to bring any LPG container over 16.4 ounces onto a residential lot without commissioner authorization. The Fire Code carves out only outdoor use for private, noncommercial barbecues within a Group R-3 lot line under FC 6101.1 and FC 307.

Sources & Official References

[1]NYC Fire Code Chapter 61, Liquefied Petroleum Gases (Administrative Code Title 29)

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