Pacifica, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Storage cap
- 2,000 gallons (7,570 L) aggregate LP-gas per installation
- Where allowed above cap
- Only Public Facilities (PF) zoning district
- Permit authority
- Fire Chief may permit other locations case by case
- Companion rule
- Above-ground flammable/combustible tanks capped the same way
- Adopted
- Ord. 886-C.S. Jan 1, 2023; updated Ord. 904-C.S. Jan 1, 2026
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, Municipal Code Section 4-3.117 amends California Fire Code Section 6104.2 to cap the aggregate storage of liquefied petroleum gas at any one installation at 2,000 gallons, and bars storage above that limit anywhere in the city except land zoned Public Facilities District. The Fire Chief may permit larger or relocated storage case by case.
The aggregate storage of liquefied petroleum gas at any one installation in excess of two thousand (2,000) gallons (7,570 L) is prohibited in all areas of the City except for those areas with the zoning designation of Public Facilities District. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fire Chief may grant a permit for such storage in other areas of the City if the Chief determines, in each case, that the storage is required for the conduct of a lawful use upon the property, will not constitute a safety hazard, and will otherwise comply with all applicable provisions of this Code and all other ordinances, rules and regulations of the City. The Chief may impose such conditions and requirements upon the issuance of the permit, as the Chief deems necessary or appropriate.
Full Breakdown
2, 'Maximum capacity within established limits,' that is specific to Pacifica. The aggregate storage of liquefied petroleum gas at any one installation is capped at two thousand (2,000) gallons, or 7,570 liters. Above that ceiling, LP-gas storage is prohibited everywhere in the city except in areas carrying the Public Facilities District zoning designation. The Fire Chief can still authorize storage above the cap, or outside the PF zone, by issuing a discretionary permit; the Chief must determine that the storage is required for a lawful use on the property, that it will not create a safety hazard, and that it otherwise complies with the Pacifica Municipal Code and all other applicable City rules.
Once granted, the Fire Chief can attach whatever conditions are deemed necessary or appropriate to the permit. 116, which uses the same Public Facilities District carve-out and Fire Chief permit mechanism for tanks rather than LP-gas. 101.
Violations & Fines
Storing LP-gas above 2,000 gallons aggregate outside the Public Facilities District without a Fire Chief permit places a property out of compliance with the amended Fire Code, which the Fire Prevention Services Bureau enforces under the Fire Marshal per Section 4-3.102. The Fire Chief's permit conditions become enforceable terms of the installation's approval, and unpermitted excess storage is a Fire Code violation subject to the City's standard citation and abatement procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a large propane tank at my Pacifica home?
Where in Pacifica can LP-gas be stored above 2,000 gallons?
Who enforces Pacifica's propane storage limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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