Propane and other liquefied petroleum gas storage is regulated uniformly by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, which applies in every municipality and supersedes conflicting local rules.
The Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq., requires the Department of Community Affairs to adopt a single statewide fire code. N.J.A.C. 5:70 incorporates the International Fire Code, which sets cylinder size limits, separation distances, ventilation, and storage rules for LP-gas. Residential cylinders over 1 lb. and bulk tanks must comply with these clearances; commercial occupancies need DCA permits. Local fire officials enforce the code but may not relax these statewide minimums.
Fire-code violations carry penalties up to $5,000 per day under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.12, plus orders to abate, remove cylinders, or vacate non-compliant storage areas.
See how Somerville's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
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