📋 Propane Tank Permit Checklist

Phase 1: Before You Apply

• Determine jurisdiction: Is your property inside city limits (city building dept.) or unincorporated county (county building dept. or fire marshal)?
• Call the right office: Confirm which office issues LP gas permits and whether a gas piping permit is separate.
• Confirm permit requirement: "Do I need a permit for a [size]-gal [above/underground] residential propane tank?" Get the answer in writing or note who you spoke with.
• Verify installer license: Confirm your LP gas contractor holds a valid state LP gas dealer/contractor license. Get their license number.
• Check flood zone status: Is your property in a FEMA flood zone? Check at msc.fema.gov. If yes, anchoring is required.
• Check HOA/deed restrictions: Review your HOA covenants for any restrictions on propane tanks or requirements for screening/concealment.
• Verify setbacks: Measure proposed tank location from house walls, windows, AC unit, electric meter, and property lines. Use the NFPA 58 Setback Calculator at lptankpermit.pages.dev/tools/setback-calculator.html

Phase 2: Permit Application — Documents to Gather

• Completed application form: Download or pick up from building department. Fill in completely.
• Site plan (hand-drawn OK): Top-down diagram showing property, house, tank location, and measured setback distances from all features. Label all structures, openings, and ignition sources. Include north arrow and scale.
• Tank spec sheet: Manufacturer's data sheet for the specific tank model. Your installer or supplier will have this.
• Contractor license info: Name, company, state LP gas license number, and contact information for your installer.
• Permit fee: Typical range $50–$150 above-ground; $75–$200 underground. Plus gas piping permit $25–$75. Confirm fee with building department before arriving.

Phase 3: Underground Tanks Only — Additional Requirements

• Call 811: At least 3 business days before any excavation. Required by law in all 50 states. Get confirmation number.
• Schedule pre-backfill inspection: Call building department on installation day. Inspector must view the tank before any soil is placed over it.
• Cathodic protection: Confirm anode bags are specified in the installation plan and present with the tank.
• Well setback: Verify setback from any private well meets your state's requirement (typically 10–50 feet — check your state guide).

Phase 4: Before the Inspection

• Pressure test completed: Contractor pressure-tests the entire piping system before inspector arrives.
• Tank labels in place: "LP GAS," "FLAMMABLE," and capacity marking visible on tank.
• Shutoff valve accessible: Service valve at tank is operable and not blocked.
• Guard posts (if needed): Required where vehicle impact is possible — near driveways, parking areas, roads.
• Permit card posted: Permit visible on site during inspection.

Phase 5: After Inspection Passes

• Permit closed: Confirm permit is finalized in the county's system before scheduling first fill.
• Notify homeowner's insurer: Inform your insurance carrier that the propane system has been installed and inspected.
• File documentation: Keep the permit closeout, contractor invoice, tank spec sheet, and cathodic protection documentation (underground only) with your home records for future disclosure at resale.

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