Tacoma follows Washington fire code limits on residential propane storage, capping cylinder size, requiring proper outdoor placement, and prohibiting storage of large tanks inside garages or near heat sources at single-family homes.
Residential propane use is governed by the International Fire Code adopted under Washington's building code framework and enforced by Tacoma Fire Department. Single-family homes can typically have small propane cylinders for grills and patio heaters, but aggregate storage and tank size are limited. Tanks larger than the residential threshold trigger setback rules from buildings, ignition sources, and property lines, and may require permits and inspection. Storing propane inside attached garages, basements, or near furnaces and water heaters is prohibited. Vehicles powered by propane must be parked according to fire code spacing. Refilling, exchange, and disposal of cylinders should occur at licensed dealers, not at home.
Storing oversized propane tanks inside garages or basements, exceeding aggregate cylinder limits, or placing tanks too close to ignition sources can result in fire code violations, removal orders, and fines after inspection.
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See how Tacoma's propane storage rules stack up against other locations.
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