Rio Rancho, NM Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane storage and installation in Rio Rancho follows the state-adopted codes rather than a unique local rule. Chapter 93 adopts New Mexico's minimum fire codes (10.25 NMAC / 2021 IFC), and New Mexico has adopted the LP Gas Code based on NFPA 58 (2020) for liquefied petroleum gas. Under NFPA 58, residential aboveground tanks have separation distances tied to tank size - for example, 125 to 500-gallon tanks must generally sit at least 10 feet from a building or important structure and 10 feet from a property line on which a building could be built; larger containers require greater distances. The Rio Rancho Fire Marshal's Office handles fire inspections, plan reviews, and life-safety review, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Fire Marshal) must approve installation plans for compliance with the applicable NFPA standards. Permits for tank installation are obtained through the city; the Permit office can confirm whether a particular project requires one (the Fire Marshal's Office and city permit line, (505) 891-5005, are the points of contact). Because the rules come from state-adopted NFPA 58 and the fire code, the same setback and permitting standards apply throughout the city; there is no separate Rio Rancho propane chapter that adds local distances.