Maine Statewide Rule

Maine state law: propane storage and installer licensing

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maine (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 32 MRS Chapter 139 (Maine Fuel Board); 32 MRS § 18102, § 18135
Adopted code: NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code): referenced for plant operations
Licensing required for: Tank setting, delivery, appliance install/service, plant ops
Tank clearance (NFPA 58, typical): 10 ft from building (≤500 gal); 25 ft (501-2,000 gal)
Fill limit: 80% maximum (NFPA 58)
Enforcement: Maine Fuel Board (licensing); State Fire Marshal (siting / commercial)

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Maine Legislature

Summary

Under 32 MRS Chapter 139 (Maine Fuel Board), persons who install, service, or set propane tanks and outside piping must hold a Maine Fuel Board license; per 32 MRS § 18135 plant operations at a propane facility are defined by reference to NFPA Standard 58, which is the de facto Maine standard for residential and commercial LP-gas storage clearances and tank-siting rules.

1. Scope of license. A propane and natural gas technician may install, repair or service propane or natural gas equipment and must be authorized in one or more of the following authorities: A. Appliance connection and service, which permits the technician to install and service propane and natural gas appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance; [PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. C, §3 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Delivery, which permits the technician to deliver propane, either by liquid transfer into a stationary container on the property of the consumer or by placing a portable container on the property of the consumer; [PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. C, §3 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. Large equipment connection and service, which permits the technician to install and service propane and natural gas appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance; [PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. C, §3 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Plant operation, which permits the technician to work at a propane facility as defined in NFPA standards, Number 58; or [PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. C, §3 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 344, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E.

Source: Maine LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

" The Maine Fuel Board (under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation) administers Chapter 139 statewide. Per 32 MRS § 18135, a propane and natural gas technician must be authorized in one or more of these scopes: (1) Appliance connection and service, install and service propane and natural gas appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance; (2) Delivery, deliver propane by liquid transfer into a stationary container or by placing a portable container; (3) Large equipment connection and service, install and service propane and natural gas appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance; (4) Plant operation, work at a propane facility "as defined in NFPA standards, Number 58"; (5) Tank setting and outside piping, set and maintain propane tanks and outside piping.

Applicants must complete either a certified national-propane-gas-association training program or a board-approved propane/natural-gas course at a Maine community college, career and technical education center or region, and pass an examination. NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) is referenced in the statute and is the de facto state standard for residential and commercial LP-gas tank-siting (typical clearances: 10 ft from buildings for tanks up to 500 gal water capacity, 25 ft for 501-2,000 gal; 10 ft from property lines; 10 ft from openings into below-grade spaces).

The Maine State Fire Marshal (under the Department of Public Safety) enforces NFPA 58 on commercial installations through MUBEC adoption under 10 MRS § 9722 and life-safety code review. Tank refilling above the 80% fill limit and unlicensed tank setting are Maine Fuel Board violations.

Violations & Penalties

Practicing as a propane technician without a Maine Fuel Board license is a Class E crime under 32 MRS § 18102 (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine), with civil penalty up to $10,000 per violation under the board's disciplinary authority. Installation of a propane tank in violation of NFPA 58 clearances is a building-code violation under 10 MRS § 9722 and a state fire-marshal enforcement target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install my own propane tank in Maine?

Generally no. Under 32 MRS § 18102, "a person who installs or services... propane or natural gas burning equipment... must be licensed" under Maine Fuel Board Chapter 139. Tank setting and outside piping is a licensed scope under 32 MRS § 18135. A homeowner exemption may apply for certain owner-occupied limited work but Maine Fuel Board interpretation is narrow: most residential propane installations must be done by a licensed propane technician.

How far does my propane tank have to be from my house in Maine?

Maine does not codify tank clearances in statute, but 32 MRS § 18135 references NFPA Standard 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code), which the Maine Fuel Board and State Fire Marshal apply as the de facto standard. NFPA 58 typical clearances: 10 ft from buildings and property lines for tanks up to 500 gallons water capacity; 25 ft for 501-2,000 gallon tanks; 10 ft from openings into below-grade spaces. Maximum fill is 80% of water capacity. Verify with your licensed installer and local code-enforcement officer.

Sources

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