(a) The location of tanks for above-ground storage of flammable liquid shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Minimum Distance to Common Property Lines. The distance from a tank to a common property line shall be not less than the diameter or height of the tank, whichever is greater, but shall not be less than the following distances. However, when adjoining premises are used for a similar purpose, the Fire Chief may permit storage arranged as permitted when such premises are in one (1) ownership.
Capacity of Tank (Gallons) | Minimum Distance to Common Property Line (Feet) |
Up to 1,100 | 5 |
1,101 to 15,000 | 10 |
15,001 to 30,000 | 20 |
Over 30,000 | 30 |
(2) Minimum Distance to Building on Same Premises. The distance from a tank to a building on the same premises as the tank shall be not less than the diameter or height of the tank, whichever is greater; but shall in no case be less than twenty (20) feet or less than the height of the building, whichever is greater, when the building is used for the processing or manufacturing of flammable liquid or other highly flammable or explosive products; or less than ten (10) feet or one-half (1/2) the height of the building, whichever is greater, in other cases.
(3) Minimum Distance to Street, Alley or Other Public Thoroughfare. The distance from a tank to a street line, alley line or property line abutting a public thoroughfare, shall be such that the tank shall be distant from all premises on the opposite sides of such streets, alleys or public thoroughfares a distance equal to the diameter or height of the tank, whichever is greater; provided that no tank shall be less than ten (10) feet from a street line, alley line or property line abutting a public thoroughfare, or less than thirty (30) feet from premises on the opposite side of such street, alley or public thoroughfare.
(4) Minimum Distance to Railroad.
A. The distance from a tank to a railroad main track over which passenger trains or cars or through freight trains operate shall not be less than the distance to a common property line specified in subsection (a)(1) hereof.
B. The distance from a tank to the right-of-way of a railroad shall be not less than one-half (1/2) the diameter or height of the tank, whichever is greater, but shall be not less than ten (10) feet.
(5) Maximum Number of Tanks in One (1) Group or Battery. Not more than six (6) tanks shall be included in one (1) group or battery.
(6) Minimum Distance Between Tanks.
A. The grouping of tanks shall be such that each tank shall be accessible on at least one (1) side or end for fire fighting. The minimum clear ground level distance deemed to provide such accessibility shall be twenty (20) feet.
B. The minimum clear distance between separate groups or batteries of tanks shall be not less than twice the diameter or height, whichever is greater, of the largest tank abutting on such clear distance; except that when such required distance exceeds forty (40) feet the minimum clear distance shall not be required to be more than one and one-half (1-1/2) times the diameter or height, whichever is greater, of the largest tank abutting on such clear distance.
C. The minimum distance between adjacent tanks in the same group or battery with capacities not exceeding thirty thousand (30,000) gallon each shall be three (3) feet.
D. Except as permitted in subsection (a)(6)C. hereof, the minimum distance between adjacent tanks in the same group or battery of capacities up to five hundred thousand (500,000) gallons shall be one-half (1/2) the diameter or height of the larger tank, whichever is greater; and three-fourths (3/4) the diameter or height of the larger tank, whichever is greater, for tanks exceeding five hundred thousand (500,000) gallon capacity.
(7) Liquids Subject to Boil-Over. Tanks used for the storage of crude petroleum or other flammable liquid subject to boil-over, other than gathering tanks in oil fields, shall be located at distances twice those specified in subsections (a)(1) to (4) and (6) hereof, provided that such distance shall in no case be less than fifty (50) feet. Gathering tanks in oil fields shall be located, constructed, arranged and equipped in conformity with the rules therefor of the Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals.
(b) All above-ground tanks shall be set upon firm foundations and shall be effectively grounded. Telephone poles or other projections liable to act as lightning discharge points shall be kept as far as practicable from tanks. Steel reinforcing of reinforced concrete tanks shall be interconnected and grounded.
(c) Supports for outside above-ground tanks shall be of concrete, masonry or protected steel having a fire resistance rating of not less than three (3) hours. Material used for support or for fire protection shall be either weather resistant or shall be protected against damage by frost or weather action.
(Ord. No. 991-49. Passed 6-27-49, eff. 6-27-49)