Tacoma, WA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- Citywide LP-gas storage presumptively prohibited
- Residential exception
- Under 125 gallons aggregate capacity
- Industrial exception
- Up to 2,000 gallons in Industrial Districts
- Discretion
- Fire code official can approve more
Summary
Tacoma's Fire Code amendment bans storing liquefied petroleum gas in containers or tanks citywide unless the installation holds less than 125 gallons of water capacity or sits in an Industrial District.
6104.2 Limitations. Storage of liquefied petroleum gas in containers or tanks shall be prohibited. Exceptions: ... 4. Installations with aggregate water capacity of less than 125 gallons; or 5. Installations as approved by the fire code official after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 3.02.415 amends International Fire Code § 6104.2 to prohibit storing liquefied petroleum gas in containers or tanks anywhere in Tacoma. The ban has narrow exceptions: installations with aggregate water capacity under 125 gallons (the size of a typical residential LP tank), installations inside Industrial Districts up to 2,000 gallons (more with fire official approval), emergency or standby generator fuel supplies, and other installations the fire code official approves after weighing topography, occupancy, proximity to buildings and local fire department capability.
Violations & Fines
Storing LP-gas above the 125-gallon exception without an approved Industrial District or fire-official exception is a Fire Code violation enforceable by the Tacoma Fire Department under the adopted IFC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a propane tank at my Tacoma home?
What's Tacoma's rule for larger propane storage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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