The Seattle Fire Code, based on IFC Chapter 61 and amended in SMC Title 22, caps propane cylinder storage at residences and businesses. Cylinders larger than 10 gallons require permits; multifamily storage is tightly limited.
Seattle Fire Code (IFC 6101 et seq., adopted by SMC 22.601) regulates LP-Gas storage. Single-family homes may store up to 25 lb of propane outdoors per cylinder, with a household total typically capped near 100 lb total absent permit. Multifamily buildings cannot store propane cylinders inside dwelling units except small camping canisters; balconies above the fourth story prohibit storage entirely. Commercial sites need an SFD operational permit for aggregate storage above 125 gallons water capacity. Cylinders must be upright, secured, away from ignition sources and HVAC intakes by 10 feet. Resale and exchange cages require inspection. Seattle Fire conducts annual permit inspections.
Unpermitted commercial storage or unsafe configuration: SFD violation up to $1,500 per day plus order to remove. Multifamily violations may trigger landlord enforcement and tenant evictions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
See how Seattle's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.