Petaluma, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

' Within the limits established by law restricting LP-gas storage for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, as set by applicable land-use and zoning standards, the aggregate capacity of any one installation cannot exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons. The section carries its own exception: for a particular installation, the Fire Code Official can set a different capacity limit after considering site-specific features, including topographical conditions, the nature of the occupancy, proximity to buildings, the capacity of the proposed LP-gas containers, the degree of fire protection already provided, and the capabilities of the local fire department to respond.

The amendment sits within Chapter 61, Liquid Petroleum Gases, of the city's adopted Fire Code and pairs with two related restrictions the same ordinance carries over from Chapters 57 and 58: above-ground storage tanks for Class I and II flammable and combustible liquids, and stationary containers of flammable cryogenic fluids, are both prohibited outside buildings within the zoning districts where such storage is barred by applicable land-use standards. Property owners proposing a larger residential or commercial LP-gas tank, such as for a whole-home generator or commercial food-service operation, should confirm with the Fire Prevention Bureau whether the 2,000-gallon cap applies to their zoning district before ordering equipment.