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Pismo Beach, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Capacity trigger
Any LP-gas tank over 500 gallons water capacity
Approval
Required from the fire code official
Who approves
The Fire Chief, designated fire code official
Exception factors
Topography, occupancy, proximity to buildings, fire protection
Appeals
Board of appeals appointed as needed by City Council
Adopted code
2025 California Fire Code, amended by Ordinance O-2025-007

Summary

In the City of Pismo Beach, California, installing any liquefied petroleum gas tank over 500 gallons water capacity is prohibited unless the fire code official approves it. For particular installations the fire code official sets the capacity limit after weighing topography, occupancy, proximity to buildings, container size, fire protection and local fire department capabilities.

6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. The installation of any liquefied petroleum gas tank over 500 gallons (1 892 L) water capacity is prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. Exception: In particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the fire code official, after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 8.08.010 DD amends California Fire Code Section 6104.2, titled Maximum capacity within established limits. The installation of any liquefied petroleum gas tank over 500 gallons (1 892 L) water capacity is prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. The wording covers any LP-gas tank and does not carve out residential tanks, and the measure is water capacity, not the gallons of propane loaded.

The exception lets the fire code official fix the limit installation by installation. In particular installations the capacity limit is determined by the fire code official after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department. The Fire Chief is the fire code official under § 8.04.020, so the approval for a tank above 500 gallons comes from the Fire Chief.

Appeals of a fire code official decision go to a board of appeals under amended Section 112.1, which the City Council appoints on an as needed basis, with staff services from the City Manager. The board issues written findings to the appellant, and the appeal fee is consistent with fees established by the City Council. The rest of the California Fire Code chapter on LP-gas is adopted by reference in § 8.04.010 and is not printed in the municipal code, so this page states no distances or container rules from it.

Violations & Fines

Amended Section 113.4 sends fire code violations to the penalty in Chapter 1.20, requires correction within a reasonable time, and makes each day that prohibited conditions are maintained a separate offense. Amended Section 105.3.3 bars operating or using any appliance, device, equipment or system until the installation has been approved and permitted by the fire code official. Infraction fines under § 1.20.010 run up to $100, $200 and $500 within twelve months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big a propane tank can I install in Pismo Beach?
Amended Fire Code Section 6104.2 prohibits any liquefied petroleum gas tank over 500 gallons water capacity unless approved by the fire code official. The measure is water capacity. A tank at or under that figure is not caught by this local limit, though the adopted California Fire Code still applies.
Who approves a large LP-gas tank in Pismo Beach?
The fire code official, who is the Fire Chief under § 8.04.020. For particular installations the official determines the capacity limit after considering topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to buildings, the capacity of the proposed containers, the degree of fire protection provided and the capabilities of the local fire department.
Does the 500 gallon limit apply only to homes?
The section says any liquefied petroleum gas tank and prints no residential or commercial distinction, so it reaches every property in the city. The exception's reference to nature of occupancy lets the fire code official weigh how the property is used.
Can I appeal a fire code official's tank decision?
Yes. Amended Section 112.1 creates a board of appeals for orders, decisions or determinations of the fire code official on the application and interpretation of the fire code. The City Council appoints it as needed, decisions are written, and the appeal fee is consistent with fees established by the City Council.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pismo Beach

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