North Port, FL Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Placement
- Side or rear of primary structure
- Screening
- Fence, wall, or vegetation required
- Siting rule effective
- July 1, 2027 (voluntary now)
- LP-gas permit
- Required now under City Code § 26-21
- Applies to
- New one-and-two-family development
Summary
New one-and-two-family homes in North Port must place propane and other fuel storage tanks on the side or rear of the house, screened from the street, but the siting rule itself doesn't take effect until July 1, 2027.
Mechanical Equipment and Fuel Storage Tanks. Ancillary mechanical equipment and storage tanks for propane, natural gas, or other material shall be located on the side or rear of the primary structure and shielded from view from the right-of-way with a fence, wall, or vegetation. This regulation will become effective on July 1, 2027, or upon amendment, expiration, or repeal of Chapters 2023-304 and 2023-349, Laws of Florida; voluntary compliance is encouraged in advance of the effective date of this provision.H.Garage. Single-family development in the R-1 zoning district shall include a garage with minimum interior dimensions of fourteen (14) feet by twenty (20) feet of unobstructed space.(1)Carports are prohibited as the sole vehicular storage area in the R-1 district. Carports may be permitted for single-family development in the other zoning districts when an enclosed storage area with a minimum size of one hundred (100) square feet is provided.(2)No garage or storage area shall be used as living quarters unless another garage is constructed prior to conversion.(3)An operable garage door capable of providing access to the garage by a motor vehicle is required.(4)This regulation will become effective on July 1, 2027, or upon amendment, expiration, or repeal of Chapters 2023-304 and 2023-349, Laws of Florida; voluntary compliance is encouraged in advance of the effective date of this provision. [Added 8-6-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13, § 3.04(Exh. A)]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of the City: Supplement 65 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 22).
Full Breakdown
North Port's Unified Land Development Code requires new one-and-two-family homes to keep propane, natural gas, or other fuel storage tanks on the side or rear of the house, screened from the right-of-way by a fence, wall, or vegetation (ULDC § 4.4.1.G). The code itself delays enforcement to July 1, 2027, tied to state law, with only voluntary compliance urged before then. Separately, City Code § 26-21 already requires anyone installing, modifying, storing, or transporting LP gas to obtain a permit from North Port Fire Rescue District regardless of that placement rule's delayed start.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the § 26-21 LP-gas permit draws a written warning or stop-work order from Fire Rescue District enforcement, then a hearing before the city's hearing officer; willfully refusing to sign a notice of violation is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my propane tank to the side of my house right now?
Do I need a permit to install a propane tank in North Port?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Port
Florida rules heatmap·Compare North Port to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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