Portland Fire & Rescue enforces the Oregon Fire Code on propane storage, capping cylinder size and quantity at residences and prohibiting storage inside dwellings, basements, or near building openings.
PF&R adopts the Oregon Fire Code (OFC), itself based on the IFC with state amendments. At one- and two-family homes, total LP-gas storage outside of an in-use grill is generally limited, and individual cylinders may not exceed roughly 1 pound (0.45 kg) inside dwellings. Larger cylinders must sit outdoors on stable, non-combustible surfaces, away from doors, windows, vents, and ignition sources. Multifamily balcony storage is sharply restricted: most apartment complexes can only have a small one-pound cartridge if any, with grills also limited near combustible construction. Permanent tanks above 125 gallons need a PF&R permit and inspection.
PF&R inspectors can issue correction notices, civil penalties, and require immediate removal of unsafe cylinders. Continued violations escalate to fines and potential nuisance abatement against the property.
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