San Bernardino, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

San Bernardino County Fire Protection District adopts the 2022 California Fire Code under Ordinance FPD 23-01, including Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases). Chapter 61 governs the safe handling, storage, and use of LP-gas. Container separation distances follow CFC Table 6104.3: aboveground containers of 125 gallons water capacity or less generally require no minimum separation (with notes such as keeping DOT cylinders at least 3 feet horizontally from building openings below the discharge level and relief devices at least 5 feet from ignition sources); 125-500 gallon containers require about 10 feet from buildings and the lot line; and 501-2,000 gallon aboveground containers require about 25 feet. Indoor storage of LP-gas is restricted, generally limited to small listed cylinders (such as 1-pound camping bottles). Section 6104.2 allows the fire code official to set a maximum aggregate capacity (a default of 2,000 gallons water capacity unless the jurisdiction sets otherwise). Permits are required under the Fire Code for LP-gas storage above threshold quantities. County Fire's Outdoor Fire Requirements emphasize keeping combustibles clear of fire sources; defensible space rules and the County's wildfire codes effectively require keeping weeds, brush, and combustible growth cleared around propane tanks. Because San Bernardino County does not appear to publish a propane ordinance more restrictive than the California Fire Code, the adopted 2022 CFC Chapter 61 sets the standard for unincorporated areas.