Chapter 15 Outdoor Storage

15.1 Scope. This chapter shall apply to the storage of liquids outdoors in the following:

(1) Drums or other containers that do not exceed 119 gal (450L) individual capacity

(2) Portable tanks that do not exceed 660 gal (2500L) individual capacity

(3) Intermediate bulk containers that do not exceed 793 gal (3000L) individual capacity

15.2 Definitions Specific to Chapter 15. (Reserved)

15.3 General Requirements. Outdoor storage of liquids in containers, intermediate bulk containers, and portable tanks shall comply with Table 15.3 and with all applicable requirements of this chapter.

15.3.1 Where two or more classes of liquids are stored in a single pile, the maximum quantity permitted in that pile shall be that of the most hazardous class of liquid present.

15.3.2 No container, intermediate bulk container, or portable tank in a pile shall be more than 200ft (60m) from a minimum 20ft (6m) wide accessway to permit approach of fire control apparatus under all weather conditions.

15.3.3 The distances specified in Table 15.3 shall apply to properties that have protection for exposures as defined. If there are exposures and protection for exposures does not exist, the distance to the property line that is or can be built upon shall be doubled.

15.3.4 Where total quantity stored does not exceed 50 percent of the maximum quantity per pile, as specified in Table 15.3, the distances to a property line that is or can be built upon and to streets, alleys, or public ways shall be permitted to be reduced by 50 percent but in no case to less than 3ft (0.9m).

15.3.5 The storage area shall be graded in a manner to divert possible spills away from buildings or other exposures or shall be surrounded by a curb at least 6in. (150mm) high.

Table 15.3 Storage Limitations for Outside Storage

	Containers		Portable Tanks and Metal IBCs		Rigid Plastic and Composite IBCs		Minimum Separation Distance (ft)
Liquid Class	Maximum Quantity per Pile (gal) a, b, c	Maximum Storage Height (ft)	Maximum Quantity per Pile (gal)	Maximum Storage Height (ft)	Maximum Quantity per Pile (gal) a, c	Maximum Storage Height (ft)	Between Piles or Rack Sections	To Property Line That Is or Can Be Built Upon b, d	To Street, Alley, or Public Way b
IA	1,100	10	2,200	7	NP	NP	5	50	10
IB	2,200	12	4,400	14	NP	NP	5	50	10
IC	4,400	12	8,800	14	NP	NP	5	50	10
II	8,800	12	17,600	14	8,800	14	5	25	5
III	22,000	18	44,000	14	22,000	18	5	10	5

For SI units, 1ft = 0.3m; 1gal = 3.8L.
NP: Notpermitted.
a See 15.3.1 regarding mixed-class storage.
b See 15.3.4 for smaller pile sizes.
c For storage in racks, the quantity limits per pile do not apply, but the rack arrangements should be limited to a maximum of 50ft (15m) in length and two rows or 9ft (2.7m) in depth.
d See 15.3.3 regarding protection for exposures.

15.3.5.1 Where curbs are used, provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of ground water or rainwater or spills of liquids. Drains shall terminate at a safe location and shall flow freely under fire conditions.

15.3.6 When accessible to the public, the storage area shall be protected against tampering and trespassing.

15.3.7 The storage area shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and other combustible materials not necessary to the storage for a distance of at least 10ft (3m) around the perimeter of the stored materials.

15.3.8 The storage area shall be permitted to be protected from the weather by a canopy or roof that does not limit the dissipation of heat or dispersion of flammable vapors and does not restrict fire-fighting access and control.

15.4 Outdoor Storage Adjacent to a Building.

15.4.1 A maximum of 1100gal (4160L) of liquids in containers, intermediate bulk containers, or portable tanks shall be permitted to be stored adjacent to a building under the same management, provided the following conditions apply:

(1) The adjacent building wall has an exterior fire resistance rating of 2 hours.
(2) The adjacent building wall has no openings at grade or above grade that are within 10ft (3m) horizontally of the storage.
(3)The adjacent building wall has no openings directly above the storage.
(4) The adjacent building wall has no openings below grade within 50ft (15m) horizontally of the storage.

15.4.2 The provisions of 15.4.1(1) through 15.4.1(4) shall be permitted to be waived, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, if the building in question is one story, is of fire-resistive or noncombustible construction, and is devoted principally to the storage of liquids.

15.4.3 The quantity of liquid stored adjacent to a building that meets the conditions of 15.4.1(1) through 15.4.1(4) shall be permitted to exceed that permitted in 15.4.1, provided the maximum quantity per pile does not exceed 1100 gal (4160L) and each pile is separated by a 10ft (3m) minimum clear space along the common wall.

15.4.4 The quantity of liquid stored shall be permitted to exceed the 1100gal (4160L) quantity specified by 15.4.1 where a minimum distance equal to that specified by Table 15.3 for distance to property line shall be maintained between buildings and the nearest container or portable tank.

15.4.5 Where the provisions of 15.4.1 cannot be met, a minimum distance equal to that specified by Table 15.3 for distance to property line shall be maintained between buildings and the nearest container or portable tank.