Olympia, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Bulk threshold
- Containers greater than 500 gallons water capacity
- Districts where allowed
- UW urban waterfront, LI-C light industrial commercial, I industrial
- Enforcer
- Chief of the Olympia Fire Department and authorized inspectors
- Misdemeanor fine
- Not to exceed $1,000 and/or ninety (90) days
- Civil infraction
- Class 3 ($50), Class 2 ($125), Class 1 ($250)
- Appeals
- Pursuant to OMC 18.70.170
Summary
In the City of Olympia, Washington, bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas, meaning single or multiple containers greater than 500 gallons water capacity, is prohibited in every use zone except UW urban waterfront, LI-C light industrial commercial and I industrial districts. Olympia Municipal Code § 16.32.070 sets those areas for Chapter 61 of the International Fire Code.
The areas referred to in Chapter 61 of the International Fire Code where the bulk storage (single or multiple containers greater than 500 gallons water capacity) of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited are established as follows: All use zones as described in the zoning ordinance of the city, except UW urban waterfront districts, LI-C light industrial commercial districts and I industrial districts.
Full Breakdown
Section 16.32.070 works as a zoning map for the City of Olympia's fire code. It refers to Chapter 61 of the International Fire Code and fills in where bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited. The line is drawn at single or multiple containers greater than 500 gallons water capacity. Everywhere in the City governed by the zoning ordinance is a prohibited area, except three districts: UW urban waterfront, LI-C light industrial commercial, and I industrial.
The section prints no threshold below 500 gallons water capacity, and it does not reprint the rest of IFC Chapter 61, so smaller containers are not addressed by this section's text. A homeowner in a residential district is therefore outside the City's bulk storage prohibition only when the containers stay at or under that size.
The same three districts appear in neighboring sections of Chapter 16.32. Section 16.32.060 prohibits outside aboveground tanks of flammable or combustible liquids in all use districts except UW, LI-C and I, with an allowance for aboveground tanks collecting used motor oil from the public in any zone when they comply with WAC 212-51 and are approved by the fire department. Section 16.32.130 applies the identical district list to bulk storage of compressed natural gas.
Section 16.32.100 assigns enforcement to the chief of the Olympia Fire Department or the chief's authorized representatives, including a fire marshal, assistant fire marshal, and fire inspectors. Appeals under the chapter are made pursuant to OMC 18.70.170, as § 16.32.120 states.
Violations & Fines
Under § 16.32.110, knowingly violating the chapter is a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, and each day is a separate offense. Second and subsequent days of a continuing violation are a gross misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $5,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 365 days. A concurrent civil infraction costs Class 3 ($50), Class 2 ($125) and Class 1 ($250) for first, second and third offenses, not including statutory assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Olympia is bulk propane storage allowed?
What counts as bulk storage of LP gas under the Olympia code?
Who enforces the propane storage rule in Olympia?
What are the penalties for violating Chapter 16.32 in Olympia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olympia
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