Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in San Francisco

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

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

Key Facts

Governing section
SF Fire Code § 105.5.30
Exempt limit
One 20 lb. cylinder outside residence
Cooking device exception
One LP-fueled cooking device per building
Permit type
Fire Department operational permit

Summary

San Francisco requires a Fire Department operational permit to store or use LP-gas, with a narrow exception for one 20-pound cylinder kept outside a residential building for cooking.

105.5.30. [For SF] LP-Gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas). An operational permit is required for storage and use of LP-gas. Exception: A permit is not required to use one LP-fueled cooking device per building or to store one additional cylinder with a 20 lb. (9.1 kg) aggregate water capacity outside of the building of residential occupancies.

Source: SF Fire DepartmentView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

San Francisco Fire Code Section 105.5.30 requires an operational permit for the storage and use of LP-gas (liquefied petroleum gas) anywhere in the city. The code carves out a narrow residential exception: no permit is needed to run one LP-fueled cooking device per building, or to store one additional cylinder holding up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of LP-gas outside a residential building. Any larger cylinder, additional tanks, or LP-gas use beyond that single cooking appliance requires a permit from the Fire Department, and Section 308.1.4 sets further installation requirements.

Violations & Fines

Storing or using LP-gas beyond the permitted exception without a Fire Department operational permit violates the Fire Code and can lead to citation, permit revocation, or an order to remove noncompliant equipment until a permit is obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a propane tank at my San Francisco home without a permit?
Yes, but only one: Fire Code Section 105.5.30 exempts a single 20-pound LP-gas cylinder stored outside a residential building, plus one LP-fueled cooking device, from the permit requirement.
What size propane tank requires a permit in San Francisco?
Anything beyond one 20-pound cylinder outside a residential building, or additional LP-gas storage or use, requires an operational permit from the Fire Department under Section 105.5.30.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

Get notified when Propane Storage in San Francisco, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.