(A) Purpose. This subchapter is established for the safety and protection of the residents of Pittsfield, Illinois. It is also designed to mitigate the potential threat imposed by the installation of LP Gas within the city.
(B) Scope of this subchapter.
(1) This subchapter regulates:
(a) The installation of LP Gas within the city;
(b) Propane storage containers less than 125 gallons in size;
(c) Propane storage containers 125 to 250 gallons in size; and
(d) Propane storage containers 250 to 1,000 gallons in size.
(2) Propane tanks must be located above ground level, i.e. no underground tanks are permitted. Propane tanks with a capacity greater than 1,000 gallons are prohibited. Business districts where bulk filling occurs are exempt to the 1,000-gallon maximum.
(C) Propane tanks. The storage of LP Gas is closed containers or portable tanks (hereinafter tanks) on properties within the Pittsfield City Limits shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Containers less than 125 gallons in size. All the above standards are applicable with the exception of the following (note: tanks that are 30 gallons or smaller and commonly used with barbecue grills and campers/RV’s fall under this category. Please note their exceptions below):
(a) City notification. The owner is not required to submit a new LP Gas installation application or pay an LP Gas permit fee of $250 for containers of 125 gallons or less.
(b) Signage. It is not necessary for the owner to list their name, address, and phone number on tanks less than 125 gallons in size. Tanks 30 gallons or less in size need not be labeled FLAMMABLE or LP-GAS, LPG, PROPANE, or BUTANE.
(c) Location. There is no minimum distance that a tank can be mounted or placed alongside a home’s permanent structure(s). However, the tank must be a minimum of ten feet from an intake, vent or A/C compressor and a minimum distance of five feet from a crawl space opening, window or exhaust fan (see container spacing diagram).
(d) Container foundation. Containers of 30 gallons storage capacity or less are not required to be set on a concrete or steel foundation. However, they must be set on a stable, level foundation.
(2) Containers between 125 and 250 gallons in size.
(a) Containers. LP Gas tanks shall fully comply with all DOT/ICC or ASME standards.
(b) Signage. All tanks shall be painted and clearly marked FLAMMABLE and either LP-GAS, LPG, PROPANE, or BUTANE in at least three-inch red letters. Also, the owner’s name, address and phone number displayed in at least one-inch black letters.
(c) Location. Tanks must be located outside, in the back yard or rear section of the home or business at least ten feet away from the owner’s home, business, or permanent structures (i.e. garage, shed, etc.). Containers must be positioned at least ten feet off any street or alley and located no closer than 25 feet from another LP Gas container on an adjacent property. Containers must be located at least 25 feet from a neighbor’s permanent structures in all directions. Where physical damage from vehicles is possible to LP Gas containers or systems of which they are a part, precautions should be taken against such damage. No tank shall be placed in a required front yard or in a required side yard on a corner lot in a residential area.
(d) Quantity. No residential property shall have more than one container between 125 and 250 gallons in size.
(e) Foundation. Tanks shall rest either on a concrete or substantial masonry support foundation. The foundation must be level. The owner must provide sufficient corrosion protection between the container and its saddle.
(f) Maintenance/a ppearance. The owner shall properly maintain the tank and assure its safe operation. The tank shall be painted with a matte silver or flat white finish. The owner shall keep the ground below the container clear of dry grass and weeds.
(g) Pipe, copper, and valves, no hose permitted unless it meets 120psi, a minimum of ¾ black iron pipe to be stubbed to the outside of the building. All pipes and connections shall be tested and proven free of leaks by an LP supplier prior to use by the owner. Pipes and connections shall comply with Schedule 40 Standards (for psi below 125). Pipes and connections shall comply with Schedule 80 Standards (for psi above 125). Galvanized pipe shall not be used. All hose and quick connectors shall be listed for LP Gas use. Pressure relief valves shall be listed for such use. All liquid lines 1.5 inch or larger and vapor lines 1.25 inch or larger shall have an emergency shutoff valve.
(h) Depth of pipelines. All pipelines running between any permanent structure and the tank shall be buried underground to a minimum depth of 18 inches.
(i) City notification. Prior to the installation of an LP Gas tank on any property, the owner must contact the city office, completed, and submit a new LP Gas installation application and pay a LP Gas permit fee of $250.
(j) Inspection. After installation and prior to its use the owner must notify LP supplier and have the installation inspected by a qualified LP employee.
(3) Containers between 250 and 1,000 gallons in size.
(a) Containers. LP Gas tanks shall fully comply with all DOT/ICC or ASME standards.
(b) Signage. All tanks shall be painted and clearly marked FLAMMABLE and either LP-GAS, LPG, PROPANE, or BUTANE in at least three-inch, red letters. Also, the owner’s name, address and phone number displayed in at least one-inch black letters.
(c) Location. Tanks must be located outside, in the back yard or rear section of the home or business at least ten feet away from the owner’s home, business, or permanent structures (i.e. garage, shed, etc.). Containers must be positioned at least ten feet off any street or alley and located no closer than 25 feet from another LP Gas container on an adjacent property. Containers must be located at least 25 feet from a neighbor’s permanent structures in all directions. Where physical damage from vehicles is possible to LP Gas containers or systems of which they are a part, precautions should be taken against such damage. No tank shall be placed in a required front yard or in a required side yard on a corner lot in a residential area.
(d) Quantity. No residential property shall have more than one container between 125 and 1,000 gallons in size.
(e) Foundation. Tanks shall rest either on a concrete or substantial masonry support foundation. The foundation must be level. The owner must provide sufficient corrosion protection between the container and its saddle.
(f) Maintenance/a ppearance. The owner shall properly maintain the tank and assure its safe operation. The tank shall be painted with a matte silver or flat white finish. The owner shall keep the ground below the container clear of dry grass and weeds.
(g) Pipe, copper, and valves, no hose permitted unless it meets 120psi, a minimum of ¾ black iron pipe to be stubbed to the outside of the building. All pipes and connections shall be tested and proven free of leaks by an LP supplier prior to use by the owner. Pipes and connections shall comply with Schedule 40 Standards (for psi below 125). Pipes and connections shall comply with Schedule 80 Standards (for psi above 125). Galvanized pipe shall not be used. All hose and quick connectors shall be listed for LP Gas use. Pressure relief valves, shut-off valves and back-flow valves shall be listed for such use. All liquid lines 1.5 inch or larger and vapor lines 1.25 inch or larger shall have an emergency shutoff valve.
(h) Depth of pipelines. All pipelines running between any permanent structure and the tank shall be buried underground to a minimum depth of 18 inches.
(i) City notification. Prior to the installation of an LP Gas tank on any property, the owner must contact the City Office, completed, and submit a new LP Gas installation application and pay a LP Gas permit fee of $250.
(j) Inspection. After installation and prior to its use the owner must notify LP Supplier and have the installation inspected by a qualified LP employee.
(k) Pre-existing tanks. A lawfully established and operational use of LP Gas tanks existing prior to the date of this subchapter may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this subchatper except if the continued use is a threat to public safety.
(l) Zoning. Propane tanks between 250 and 1,000 gallons may not be in any district except B-2.
(4) No tank shall be refilled except by certified personnel.
(5) This subchapter is subject to the state and federal law and regulations.
(Ord. 1688, passed 1-4-22) Penalty, see § 156.999