San Rafael, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide default
- LP-gas storage prohibited
- Permitted storage cap
- 1,000–1,500 gallons per site
- Residential tanks
- Barred unless no natural gas
- Governing section
- SRMC § 4.08.070
- Enforcement
- Fire Chief; misdemeanor/infraction penalties
Summary
San Rafael bans LP-gas storage citywide except in designated industrial and commercial zoning districts, caps volumes at 1,000 to 1,500 gallons per site, and prohibits residential tanks unless no natural gas line is available.
A. Pursuant to Section 6104.2 of the California Fire Code, except as provided in Subsection B of this section, the storage of LP-gas is prohibited in all areas of the city. ... C. The storage of any LP-gas tank system in any residential district is prohibited unless there are no natural gas lines available to be connected to the residence.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Under San Rafael Municipal Code § 4.08.070, the Fire Code amendment bars LP-gas storage everywhere in the city, with narrow exceptions. Storage up to 1,000 gallons per site, 1,500 gallons if the tank system is fire-chief-approved, is allowed only in designated industrial, light-industrial and certain commercial zoning districts under Title 14. Any LP-gas tank in a residential district is prohibited unless no natural gas line reaches the property. Dispensing is barred outside those same districts. Small quantities for home barbecues, RVs, LP-fueled vehicles and active construction permits are exempted. This applies inside San Rafael city limits only, not unincorporated Marin County.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted LP-gas storage or dispensing outside approved districts is a misdemeanor/infraction under SRMC § 4.08.130, with each day of violation a separate offense and full cost recovery for any fire department response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a propane tank at my San Rafael home?
Where in San Rafael can businesses store LP-gas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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