LP Gas Requirements for Storage

Overview

The applicant must apply for a Fire Department permit for storage up to an aggregate amount of 2,000 gallons. If the applicant wishes to store more than 2,000 gallons, then a full license must be applied for through the Board of Selectmen. The application fee is $25 for any residential installation and $100 for any commercial installation.The applicant shall submit to the Fire Department a plot plan of the location where the storage will be. The plot plan must show the following:

  • All parking locations on the property
  • All traffic flow patterns in and out of the property
  • And the location of the closest adjacent buildings on adjoining properties
  • The boundaries of the property
  • Dimensions and construction of the cage in which the cylinders will be stored
  • Exact location on the property of all buildings and their use
  • Exact street address of the property
  • Location on the property where the exchange cylinders will be stored
  • Map and lot number of the property
  • Number of cylinders that will be stored
  • Owner of the property

Storage Locations

Applicants should be aware that the following criteria must be followed for approval of the cages and location of the cages for storing the exchange cylinders:

  • They must be 20 feet from any doorway or opening of any building.
  • They must be 20 feet from any automotive service station fuel dispenser.
  • They must be 10 feet from any property line.
  • They must be 10 feet from any other important building or group of buildings.
  • All storage must be outside; no cylinders, full or empty, are allowed inside.
  • If near a building, cages must be located on a blank wall free of all openings.

The enclosure cage must be a minimum of 6 feet high. Bullards or steel girders must be placed to act as bumper guards to protect damage from vehicles. The area around the cage must be posted "No smoking". No tanks of any kind, either full LP cylinders or empty exchange cylinders shall be allowed in any building. A Class B/C fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 18 lb. must be installed adjacent to the storage cage.

Special Provisions

All cylinders, whether new, refilled cylinders, or cylinders brought in for exchange, must be kept inside the cage at all times. The location of the storage area or cage will be determined by the Fire Department following the criteria of CMR6 and NFPA 58, as well as the requirements indicated above. Facilities coming under the jurisdiction of CMR5, (garages, gasoline service stations, and buildings or structures associated with the dispensing of gasoline or other motor fuels) must follow the provisions of CMR5. Particular importance must be paid to the location of the exchange cylinders and new cylinders in regards to dispensing equipment, openings in the buildings, and any parking on the property. 

Emphasis will be placed upon self-serve facilities which require that dedicated operators be operating the gasoline dispensing control console independent of any operation connected with the LP tank exchange program. Facilities having more than 8 dispensing units, or in excess of 1,000 sq. feet shall be required to have two operators on duty unless a waiver has been granted by the State Fire Marshal under the provisions of 527 CMR 5