General
A Fire Prevention Code Permit is required for the storage and/or use of LP-gas. [6101.2, 107.2] An application for a LP-Gas or Hazardous Material Application shall be completed and submitted to the Fire Prevention Office. *Please note restaurant establishments must comply with the regulations for storage and maintenance of LP Gas and will be required to have a permit by 2015.
Applicant must indicate the type of LP gas, the size and type of the containers / tank(s) and the total quantity of gas to be stored. Quantities / capacities shall be listed in both water capacity (gallons) and pounds of gas.
Applicant must provide a site plan showing the proposed location for the LP-gas storage area.
Applicant must provide manufacturer’s product information for the specific gas-fired appliance(s) to be used, including operating instructions.
Applicant must provide a copy of the Arlington County Zoning Office approval for the storage and use of LP-gas.
An on-site inspection must be satisfactorily completed in order for a permit to be issued. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for inspections. LP-GAS SHALL NOT BE STORED OR USED UNTIL THE INSPECTION IS CONDUCTED AND THE PERMIT IS ISSUED.
Portable Outdoor Heaters Reference Guide
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.1.1 Prohibited Locations. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations:
- Inside of any occupancy when connected to the fuel gas container.
- Inside of tents, canopies, and membrane structures.
- On exterior balconies.
Exception: As allowed in Section 6.20 of NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.1.2 Clearance to buildings. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from buildings.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.1.3 Clearance to combustible materials. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located beneath, or closer than 5 feet (1524 mm) to, combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.1.4 Proximity to exits. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of exits or exit discharges.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.2.1 Listing and approval. Only listed and approved portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances utilizing a fuel gas container that is integral to the appliance shall be used.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.2.2 Installation and maintenance. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.2.3 Tip-over switch. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be equipped with a tilt or tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if the appliance is tilted more than 15 degrees (0.26 rad) from the vertical.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.2.4 Guard against contact. The heating element or combustion chamber of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be permanently guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.3.1 Approved containers. Only approved DOTn or ASME gas containers shall be used.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.3.2 Container replacement. Replacement of fuel gas containers in portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be conducted while the public is present.
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.3.3 Container capacity. The maximum individual capacity of gas containers used in connection with portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not exceed 20 pounds (9 kg).
(2015 VSFPC) 603.4.2.3.4 Indoor storage prohibited. Gas containers shall not be stored inside of buildings except in accordance with Section 6109.9.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.1 General. LP-gas equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the code under which it was installed.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2 Use of LP-gas Containers in Buildings. The use of LP-gas containers in buildings shall be in accordance with Sections 6103.2.1 and 6103.2.2.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1 Portable Containers. Portable LP-gas containers, as defined in NFPA 58, shall not be used in buildings except as specified in NFPA 58 and Sections 6103.2.1.1 through 6103.2.1.7.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.1 Use in Basement, Pit or Similar Location. LP-gas containers shall not be used in a basement, pit or similar location where heavier-than-air gas might collect. LP-gas containers shall not be used in an above-grade underfloor space or basement unless such location is provided with an approved means of ventilation.
Exception: Use with self-contained torch assemblies in accordance with Section 6103.2.1.6.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.2 Construction and Temporary Heating. Portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used in buildings or areas of buildings undergoing construction or for temporary heating as set forth in Sections 6.20.4, 6.20.5 and 6.20.8 of NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.3 Group F Occupancies. In Group F occupancies, portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used to supply quantities necessary for processing, research or experimentation. Where manifolded, the aggregate water capacity of such containers shall not exceed 735 pounds (334 kg) per manifold. Where multiple manifolds of such containers are present in the same room, each manifold shall be separated from other manifolds by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.4 Group E and I Occupancies. In Group E and I occupancies, portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used for research and experimentation. Such containers shall not be used in classrooms. Such containers shall not exceed a 50-pound (23 kg) water capacity in occupancies used for educational purposes and shall not exceed a 12-pound (5 kg) water capacity in occupancies used for institutional purposes. Where more than one such container is present in the same room, each container shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.5 Demonstration Uses. Portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used temporarily for demonstrations and public exhibitions. Such containers shall not exceed a water capacity of 12 pounds (5 kg). Where more than one such container is present in the same room, each container shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.6 Use With Self-Contained Torch Assemblies. Portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used to supply approved self-contained torch assemblies or similar appliances. Such containers shall not exceed a water capacity of 21/2 pounds (1 kg).
(2015 VSFPC) 6103.2.1.7 Use for Food Preparation. Where approved, listed LP-gas commercial food service appliances are allowed to be used for food-preparation within restaurants and in attended commercial food-catering operations in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code, the International Mechanical Code and NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 6105.2 Release to the Atmosphere. LP-gas shall not be released to the atmosphere, except in accordance with Section 7.3 of NFPA 58
(2015 VSFPC) 6107.1 Safety devices. Safety devices on LP-gas containers, equipment, and systems shall not be tampered with or made ineffective.
(2015 VSFPC) 6107.2 Smoking and Other Sources of Ignition. “No Smoking” signs complying with Section 310 shall be posted where required by the fire code official. Smoking within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a point of transfer, while filling operations are in progress at LP-gas containers or vehicles, shall be prohibited.
Control of other sources of ignition shall comply with Chapter 3 of this code and Section 6.23 of NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 6107.3 Clearance to Combustibles. Weeds, grass, brush, trash and other combustible materials shall be kept not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from LP-gas tanks or containers.
(2015 VSFPC) 6107.4 Protecting Containers From Vehicles. Where exposed to vehicular damage due to proximity to alleys, driveways or parking areas, LP-gas containers, regulators and piping shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 6108.1 General. Fire protection for installations having LP-gas storage containers shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.
(2015 VSFPC) 6108.2 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers complying with Section 906 shall be provided as specified in NFPA 58.
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.2 Exposure Hazards. LP-gas containers in storage shall be located in a manner that minimizes exposure to excessive temperature rise, physical damage or tampering
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.3 Position. LP-gas containers in storage having individual water capacity greater than 21/2 pounds (1 kg) [nominal 1-pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity] shall be positioned with the pressure relief valve in direct communication with the vapor space of the container
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.6 Storage on Roofs. LP-gas containers that are not connected for use shall not be stored on roofs.
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.7 Storage in basement, pit or similar location. LP-gas containers shall not be stored in a basement, pit or similar location where heavier-than-air gas might collect. LP-Gas containers shall not be stored in above-grade underfloor spaces or basements unless such location is provided with an approved means of ventilation.
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.8 Protection of Valves on LP-gas Containers in Storage. LP-gas container valves shall be protected by screw-on-type caps or collars that shall be securely in place on all containers stored regardless of whether they are full, partially full or empty. Container outlet valves shall be closed or plugged.
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.13 Protection of Containers. LP-gas containers shall be stored within a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering. Vehicle impact protection shall be provided as required by Section 6107.4.
Exception: Vehicle impact protection shall not be required for protection of LP-gas containers where the containers are kept in lockable, ventilated cabinets of metal construction.
(2015 VSFPC) 6109.12 Location of Storage Outside of Buildings. Storage outside of buildings of LP-gas containers awaiting use, resale or part of a cylinder exchange program shall be located in accordance with Table 6109.12.
(2015 VSFPC) 6110.1 Temporarily Out of Service. LP-gas containers whose use has been temporarily discontinued shall comply with all of the following:
1. Be disconnected from appliance piping.
2. Have LP-gas container outlets, except relief valves, closed or plugged.
3. Be positioned with the relief valve in direct communication with the LP-gas container vapor space.