Propane (LP-gas) storage in Reading is regulated through the 2018 International Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases), adopted by Reading Chapter 180 Part 14, and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405). Residential cylinders larger than 1 pound require permits when aggregate storage exceeds the IFC threshold; NFPA 58 (the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) is referenced through IFC 6101.2 for tank setbacks.
Reading regulates propane through Chapter 180 Part 14 (the locally adopted 2018 IFC) and the citywide amendments at Section 180-1407. IFC Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) sets the residential rules. IFC 6101.2 incorporates NFPA 58 (the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) for the design, construction, installation and use of LP-gas systems, and NFPA 58 Table 6.4.1.1 governs tank setbacks: an above-ground propane tank of 125 gallons water capacity or less must be at least 10 feet from any important building, a 125 to 500-gallon tank must be at least 10 feet from the building line and 10 feet from any other property line, and a 501 to 2,000-gallon tank must be at least 25 feet from buildings and property lines. IFC 6109.13 restricts the aggregate amount of LP-gas stored in residential occupancies on Group R-3 lots to 500 pounds water capacity (about 125 gallons of propane). On Group R-3 multifamily Reading row-houses, IFC 6109.7 prohibits LP-gas storage inside dwelling units and restricts cylinders on combustible balconies of multifamily structures (each balcony limited to a single 20-pound cylinder serving a listed grill). Permit applications for tanks above the IFC operational permit threshold (typically more than 125 gallons aggregate) are filed with the Reading Fire Marshal (815 Washington Street, Room 1-41, 610-655-6286) under IFC 105.6, and the installer must be a licensed Pennsylvania LP-gas contractor. Tanks must be set on a non-combustible pad, protected from vehicle impact, and labeled with the proper NFPA 704 placard.
Failure to obtain a required IFC operational permit, exceeding the 500-pound aggregate residential limit, or violating NFPA 58 setbacks are IFC violations enforced by the Reading Fire Marshal. Fines under IFC 109 and Reading's general penalty section typically range from $100 to $1,000 per day per violation, and tanks installed without permits may be ordered removed at the owner's expense. State licensing violations carry additional Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry penalties under 35 P.S. Section 1329.3.
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