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

The NYC Fire Code, enacted as Chapter 61 of Title 29 of the Administrative Code, sets a hard numeric ceiling on home propane storage. FC 6103.2.1.8 provides that LPG container storage in Group R-2 (multiple dwellings) and R-3 (one- and two-family homes) occupancies 'shall not exceed four containers per dwelling unit, each container having a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg) of LPG,' and bars storing those containers 'in a basement, cellar or other area below grade.' That 16.4-ounce (one-pound camp-stove-cylinder size) ceiling is reinforced by the chapter's general prohibitions at FC 6105.3, which make it unlawful to 'store, handle or use in, or bring or allow into, any residential occupancy, or on any lot containing a building used for a residential occupancy, any LPG container with a capacity greater than 16.4 ounces (0.465 kg), except as authorized by the commissioner,' and separately unlawful to store any LPG container 'with a capacity greater than 100 pounds (45.4 kg)' anywhere without FDNY approval.

FC 6105.3 also bans storing LPG containers on a building roof, using LPG for space or water heating, and connecting or disconnecting any container over 16.4 ounces without a certificate of fitness (FC 6101.5.1). Section FC 6109.7 repeats the below-grade storage ban for portable containers generally, FC 6109.6 bars roof storage, and FC 6107.3 requires LPG containers be kept a minimum of 10 feet from vegetation, rubbish and other combustible materials. Outdoor LPG storage citywide, including at mercantile locations, is capped at 400 pounds under FC 6109.12 and must sit at least 20 feet from building openings and vehicle fuel dispensers.

Any storage, handling or use exceeding the quantities in FC 105.6 requires an FDNY permit under FC 6101.2, and distributors are barred from delivering containers to a location that lacks the required permit (FC 6101.2.1).