California Statewide Rule
California Fire Code Propane Storage Statewide Standards
Key Facts
- Code
- California Fire Code Chapter 61
- Authority
- State Fire Marshal
- Adopted standard
- NFPA 58
- Congested-area cap
- 2,000 gal water capacity
Summary
California uniformly applies the State Fire Marshal's propane storage standards through the California Fire Code, which all local jurisdictions must enforce as a minimum.
Prior to January 1, 1996, the State Fire Marshal in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board shall, after public hearings, adopt by reference the 1992 edition of the NFPA 58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquified Petroleum Gasses, or as this 1992 edition may be subsequently amended or supplemented. It is the intent of the Legislature that the NFPA 58 Standard supersede any inconsistent state standards, including, but not limited to, Sections 470 to 494, inclusive, of Chapter 4 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, except where Sections 470 to 494, inclusive, of Chapter 4 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations contain a more stringent safety standard than that contained in the NFPA 58 Standard. Nothing in this section prohibits the board from adopting more stringent standards than those contained in the NFPA 58 Standard.
Full Breakdown
Title 24, Part 9 (California Fire Code) Chapter 61 adopts NFPA 58 requirements for liquefied petroleum gas storage, handling, and use statewide. Fire Code permits apply to larger tanks and stationary installations under Section 105, and tank setbacks from buildings and property lines apply uniformly. In heavily populated or congested areas, aggregate LP-gas capacity at any one installation is generally capped at 2,000 gallons water capacity unless the fire code official approves more. Local agencies may adopt fire-safety requirements stricter than the state code based on local conditions under Health and Safety Code 13143.5, but they cannot relax the state standard.
Violations & Penalties
Fire Code violations are misdemeanors; storage exceeding limits without permit can result in red-tagging, fines, and forced removal at owner cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to store a backyard propane tank?
Can my city ban propane storage entirely?
Sources
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