Propane (liquefied petroleum gas) storage in Vacaville is governed by California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted through Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 15.20.271. Residential containers under 125 gallons water capacity (the typical 20-lb BBQ tank up through a 100-lb cylinder) have no minimum setback if installation conditions are met; containers 125–500 gallons require a 10-foot separation from buildings, property lines, and public ways.
VMC Chapter 15.20.271 adopts the 2022 California Fire Code, including CFC Chapter 61 — Liquefied Petroleum Gases. Key residential rules: (1) LP-gas containers under 125 gallons water capacity (which includes the standard 20-lb / 4.7-gal grill cylinder and most homeowner cylinders up to 100-lb / 23.5-gal) have no required separation from buildings, property lines, or public ways when CFC §6104.3 installation conditions are met. (2) Containers 125 to 500 gallons require a minimum 10-foot separation from buildings, property lines, and public ways. (3) Containers 501 to 2,000 gallons require a 25-foot separation. (4) Total aggregate water capacity at any one installation may not exceed 2,000 gallons. (5) LP-gas containers may not be installed in a basement, pit, or below-grade underfloor space unless approved mechanical ventilation is provided, because LPG is heavier than air. (6) Storage of more than the residential exempt quantities normally triggers a Vacaville Fire Department operational permit under CFC §105. Cylinders for resale (cylinder-exchange cages outside hardware and grocery stores) must be in approved cabinets per CFC §6109. Propane fire pits, patio heaters, BBQs, and pool/spa heaters are allowed residential uses subject to the same setback rules and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Improperly stored propane containers — over capacity, too close to a structure or property line, in a basement, or beyond residential exempt quantities without a Fire Department operational permit — are violations of VMC 15.20.271 (adopted CFC Chapter 61). The Vacaville Fire Department can order corrective action, impound improperly stored containers, and issue administrative citations. Where storage creates an imminent hazard, the Fire Chief may order immediate abatement.
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