District of Columbia Statewide Rule

District of Columbia LP-Gas (Propane) Storage Permit Rules

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Governing section: DCMR 12-H, Sec. F-3801.2
Permit trigger: Any permanent install; 60+ lb portable
Indoor tanks: Permit if over 5 pounds
Enforcing agency: DC Fire & EMS (FEMS)
Penalty: Up to $300 or 90 days

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

The DC Fire Code requires an LP-gas permit for every permanent propane installation regardless of tank size, and for storing portable cylinders totaling 60 pounds or more, any commercial cooking use, vending carts, or any tank over 5 pounds used inside a building.

F-3801.2 Permits. Permits shall be required for any of the following:
1. Each permanent installation irrespective of the size of containers.
2. The storage of any number of portable containers awaiting use, refill, or sale having a combined total of 60 pounds or more.
3. Any commercial cooking use.
4. Vending stands, vending carts or vehicles.
5. Tanks larger than 5 pounds used inside of any buildings.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The DC Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 38H (DCMR 12-H), Section F-3801.2, requires a permit from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services code official for each permanent LP-gas installation "irrespective of the size of containers," for storing portable containers awaiting use, refill, or sale totaling 60 pounds or more, any commercial cooking use, vending stands/carts/vehicles, and tanks larger than 5 pounds used inside buildings. Distributors may not fill a permit-required container without an issued installation permit. Empty and partially filled containers count as full (F-3801.4). LP-gas is prohibited wherever natural gas is available unless the code official permits it (F-3801.5). The propane permit fee is $100 for 200 pounds or less, plus $0.50 per pound over 200.

Violations & Penalties

Violating the Fire Prevention Code carries a fine of up to $300 or up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, and each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense; operating without an approved permit doubles the fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard propane grill tank in DC?

A permit is required to store portable containers totaling 60 pounds or more. A single 20-pound grill cylinder is below that threshold, but any permanent installation needs a permit regardless of size.

Can I use a propane tank indoors in the District of Columbia?

Tanks larger than 5 pounds used inside any building require a permit under Section F-3801.2. Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters are also prohibited in Groups A, E, I, and R occupancies.

Is propane allowed if natural gas is available?

No. Section F-3801.5 prohibits using LP-gas wherever natural gas is available, except where specifically permitted by the code official.

Sources

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