Before You Apply: Three Things to Confirm
Before filling out a permit application, confirm these three things to avoid wasted trips and delays:
1. Is a permit required in your jurisdiction?
Call your county building department or fire marshal and ask: "Do I need a permit to install a [size]-gallon [above-ground/underground] residential propane tank?" Get the name of the person you spoke with. If no permit is required for your tank size, ask whether a gas piping permit is needed for the supply line. Learn about permit thresholds â
2. Which office handles LP gas permits?
In some counties it is the building department. In others it is the fire marshal's office. In small rural counties, one person may handle both. When you call, also ask: "Is there a separate gas piping permit, and is it issued by the same office?"
3. Does your contractor's license need to be verified?
Confirm your LP gas contractor is licensed in your state before applying. Many permit applications require the contractor's license number. A lapsed or invalid license will hold up your application.
What You Need to Prepare
Completed application form
Download the LP gas installation permit application from your county building department's website, or pick up a copy in person. These are typically 1â2 pages. Fill in: property address, owner name and contact, description of work (tank size, above/below ground, new installation vs. tank replacement), and contractor information.
Site plan (the most important document)
A site plan is a top-down drawing of your property showing the proposed tank location with measured distances to all setback features. It does not need to be computer-drawn or professionally stamped for most residential applications â a clear, legible hand-drawn diagram drawn to scale is acceptable in most jurisdictions.
Your site plan must show:
- Property outline with approximate dimensions
- House footprint, including all exterior walls
- All windows, doors, and other openings visible from outside
- Electric meter and electrical panel location
- AC condenser unit location
- Any outbuildings (garage, shed, barn)
- Proposed tank location, with measured distance lines to all of the above
- Property line distances
- North arrow and scale
- For underground tanks: excavation dimensions and vent pipe routing
The most common reason permit applications are rejected or delayed is an incomplete site plan that's missing measured distances. Use a tape measure to get real numbers before drawing.
Tank manufacturer's specification sheet
A one-page data sheet identifying the tank's make, model, gallon capacity, and safety certifications. Your LP gas contractor or propane supplier will have this for the specific tank being installed.
Contractor license information
The name, company name, license number, and contact information for your licensed LP gas contractor. Verify the license number is current by checking your state LP gas regulatory agency's online lookup before submitting.
Permit fee
Most building departments accept cash, check, and credit/debit card. Online portals accept card. Have the fee amount ready â see typical fees by state.
Submitting the Application
Online (larger cities and counties)
Many municipalities have online permit portals. Upload your application form, site plan (as a PDF or image), and spec sheet. Pay the fee online. Standard residential LP installations in these systems often receive automatic or rapid approval without requiring in-person review. You'll receive a permit number by email, which you print and post on-site during installation.
In person (most common)
Bring your complete packet to the building department counter. A plans examiner or permit technician reviews your application. For standard residential above-ground installations, over-the-counter (same-day) approval is common in most smaller jurisdictions. For underground or larger installations, the packet may go to a plans examiner for review, taking 2â10 business days.
By mail or email (some rural counties)
Some rural counties accept mailed applications. Call first to confirm the process and current processing times before mailing.
After Approval: Keeping the Permit Active
Once your permit is issued, work must begin within a certain timeframe (typically 6 months) or the permit expires. Most permits are valid for 12 months from issuance; if work is not complete, you can apply for an extension. Post the permit card (or a printed copy of the digital permit) visibly on the job site during installation.
How to Draw a Site Plan (Quick Guide)
Use graph paper (1 square = 5 feet works well for most residential lots). Draw the property outline, then the house, then all features. Add measurement lines with actual tape-measured distances for every setback. Label everything clearly. Write your address, permit application number (if known), and the date in the title block. Scan or photograph it clearly before submitting.
Yes. If your propane supplier is installing the tank as part of a lease arrangement, they typically pull all required permits as part of their service. This is standard practice for major LP gas companies. Confirm in writing that they will handle both the tank installation permit and the gas piping permit. If you have concerns or want to track the permit yourself, ask for the permit number after it is issued â you can use it to verify the permit's status and inspection history in the county's online portal.
Online portals in large cities: often same-day or 1â3 business days for standard residential above-ground installations. In-person at suburban counties: typically same-day over-the-counter for simple installations. Underground or larger installations requiring plan review: 3â10 business days in most areas. Rural counties with limited staff: variable â call to ask about current processing times. Allow at least 2 weeks between application and installation day to avoid scheduling pressure.