Conforming the Acceptable Separation Distance (ASD) Standards for Residential Propane Tanks to Industry Standards

This proposed rule would modernize an existing regulation to reduce regulatory and cost burden on communities that may be restricted in their ability to site HUD-assisted projects, including those for low- and moderate-income housing, because of the presence of stationary aboveground liquefied petroleum gas (propane) storage tanks that may be nearby. Specifically, this proposed rule would allow the siting of HUD- assisted projects near stationary aboveground propane storage tanks with a capacity of 250 gallons or less if the storage tank complies with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) (2017). HUD proposes to incorporate, by reference, NFPA 58, a voluntary consensus standard for public safety that establishes standards used by the propane industry and operators regarding storage, handling, transportation, and use of propane. To ensure the continued safety of residents in HUD-assisted projects and communities, HUD would rely upon NFPA codes and standards, with which many states already comply.