Upland, CA Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)

Propane (LP-gas) storage in Upland is governed by the California Fire Code, adopted locally through the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) Fire Code that Upland incorporates in Municipal Code Chapter 8.28 — there is no unique Upland propane ordinance. California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) sets the rules. LP-gas containers 'shall be located with respect to buildings and lot lines of adjoining property that can be built on, in accordance with Table 6104.3,' which scales required distances to container water capacity. Where a multiple-container installation of containers under 125 gallons each totals 500 gallons or more aggregate water capacity, the minimum distance is figured on the aggregate capacity using Table 6104.3. Small DOT cylinders (such as common barbecue tanks) must be positioned so a pressure-relief discharge is at least 3 feet horizontally from building openings below the discharge level; ASME containers under 125 gallons must keep relief-device discharges from terminating in or beneath buildings, at least 5 feet horizontally from building openings below that level and at least 5 feet from exterior ignition sources. Installations and storage above the code thresholds typically require an SBCFPD permit and inspection. Tanks should be kept upright, secured, away from ignition sources, and clear of vegetation — important in north Upland's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone foothills.