Propane tank-ARC approval, south of 466A
 

I would love to convert my electric cooktop to propane gas and understand Arch.Review Committee approval is required. Has anyone attempted to get approval for a small, above-ground propane tank on a designer-series house lot, south of 466A? We might consider an underground tank but aren't happy about the gas line going up through the garage attic, to reach the kitchen. Thanks so much for any help you can offer. Need to make my best case with the ARC!

A big factor- is how far the closest structure will be to the tank--there is a minus distance requirement.

I know of one house where the tank is buried and its used for an outdoor grill. The Village of Fernandina. Installed by a contractor and I am sure approval was required.

Several neighbors have buried tanks (all south of 466a). Suggest that you contact a plumber with gas experience/certification to see if there is an alternate path to your gas stove. If not ask about using standard black gas pipe, and NOT the CSST for inside the house. Once you have the info, you can apply for ARC approval and the associated permits.
Hope this helps.

With an above ground tank you will be the most popular people on your block and your neighbors will be ecstatic!
Go for it now!

I doubt any above-ground structure would be approved, but it can't hurt to ask. Definitely have all your ducks in a row, including any necessary landscaping plans to hide it. Another thing to consider with an above-ground tank would be lightning precautions. How big of a boom would one make if struck?

The ARC doesn't seem to have any problem with pool mechanical equipment. There is no requirement to conceal it as far as I can tell. Good luck.

Why not give Community Standards a call, before doing all the preparation for a request, and just ask them. This cannot be the first time this has come up.
Community Standards
Phone: 352-751-3912

We are also considering a propane storage tank. I don’t understand how an above ground tank would solve the gas line in the attic issue for you. It seems like a buried tank could be “piped in” the same way an above ground tank would.

What am I missing?

Don

Yes, you are right. We don't have enough space between us and side neighbors for underground tank. So would need above ground which can be closer to house, or buried tank in front yard.

We have a buried tank in our side yard that was originally done for heat to a swim spa. We have received ARC approval for additional piping to our indoor kitchen, (tank on same side), for future gas cooktop, to a new outdoor fireplace (opposite side of the house) and a new summer kitchen grill (tank on same side). All of the gas lines are exterior and none going through the attic.

The above ground tank can sit closer to the house wall than an underground, according to the Suburban Gas gentleman who came out to give us an estimate. My cooktop is situated on an exterior wall on the side of the house, therefore if a tank can go in right there, a line could be run right directly into that wall and provide gas to the cooktop.

The problem is, an underground tank has to be 10 feet from the house wall and then an allowance of another 1+ feet is needed for the actual size of the tank. We don't have that much space on that side of our house, before infringing on neighbor's yard. So if we did have enough space, then yes - the underground tank gas line could be piped in directly through the same wall.

I understand your apparent concern about an above ground tank, believe me. However, I only am investigating that possibility because we have a cut-back on the side of our house that would conceal a tank from the street view and we have no neighbors behind. We would also of course put in appropriate landscape screening as well.

Thanks for the tips. And yes, lightning is a concern - one of the big concerns we have about running gas lines through the attic into the house! I don't know which would be worse if lightning hits - inside house attic or outside, next to house.

Thanks so much for the info! I will look into that!