Propane Permits and Local Requirements
State and Local LP-Gas Requirements
Propane tanks requires a permit to continue in service within a municipality. This type of situation will occur when a code inspector comes across a tank while performing duties associated with other code compliance issues.
For example, a couple hires a contractor to build an addition onto an existing home. During the construction process, the inspector will review the progress and assure that it conforms to local building codes. During the visit, the inspector will determine if there are permits for the propane tank.
Underground Propane Line Permits and Requirements
Consider permits from a safety perspective. Neighborhoods all have underground utilities running from house to house. At the time of installation, there’s permits for these gas, power and communication lines. They keep a record of these underground utilities so that you avoid damage to the existing utility lines if digging or trenching is necessary.
Propane gas yard lines are necessary for underground installation. Some municipalities will require a permit for this yard line for the same reason the other underground utility lines are necessary to have permits. Accidentally trenching through an underground propane yard line will often be more expensive to repair than initially paying for the required permit.
Propane Tank Permits and Requirements
Another safety perspective to consider concerning propane permits is the actual location of the propane tank itself. Many fire departments will require permits for propane tanks that are in their jurisdiction. Submission of these permits are typically with a drawing, description and any applicable fees.
Similar to underground propane lines and trenching, the fire department needs to know the location of the propane tank. If there was a fire breaking out a home and there was an underground propane tank installation in a nondescript location behind some landscaping, then it would be far better than not for the fire department to know about the propane tank in the event it’s necessary to turn off at the service valve. If there’s nothing on file for this propane tank, the damage could potentially be far worse because the fire department knew nothing about it.
These are just the basics of propane permits and local requirements in Texas. As with any permits and requirements, these will vary from state to state and town to town. It’s far better to know about the requirements regarding propane before tank installations occur than after the fact. Contact us here at Texas Propane with the link below for more information on permits, as we handle this aspect of the installation and file all required paperwork.
