Aboveground Storage Tank Plan Review and Registration Programs

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Aboveground Storage Tank Flammable or Combustible Liquids Code Enforcement

Enforcement of requirements for the safe transportation, storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids, set out in 661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 221 

Enforcement of requirements for the safe transportation, storage, handling, and use of liquefied petroleum gas (or propane), set out in 661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 226 

Enforcement of requirements for the safe transportation, storage, handling, and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), set out in 661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 228 

Aboveground and Liquid Propane Storage Tank Plan Review Requirements

Before installing aboveground tanks storing flammable or combustible liquids, plans must be submitted to the Fire Marshal Division for approval in accordance with subrule 661 Iowa Administrative Code 221.3(3)

Engineering drawings of the storage facility are preferred but not required. Drawings must be to scale. Plans sealed by a licensed professional engineer are required if the facility is a refinery.

Local jurisdictions (full time fire departments) may require plans to be submitted to them for a local permit in addition to obtaining approval from this office. Consult your local jurisdictions for their requirements. Underground tanks which have been approved in accordance with the UST rule 591-15.6(455G) do not need to be submitted to the state fire marshal for approval. 

  • Aboveground Storage Tank Plan Review Fee: $100 + $25 per tank
    • Application submitted via the online application system or paper application form under the Application Forms, Checklists, and Information section below.
  • Liquid Propane Tank Plan Review: No fees
    • Application submitted via the online application system or paper application form under the Application Forms, Checklists, and Information section below.
Aboveground Storage Tank Registration Requirements

Aboveground storage tanks that are greater than 1,100 gallons in capacity must be registered with the State Fire Marshal Division. Note: Tank registration shall not be construed as plan approval. Plan approval is required for all tanks above 1,000 gallons; registration is not.

Administration of the Aboveground Flammable or Combustible Storage Tank Registration Program, the rules for which are found in 661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 224 

  • Tank Registration Fee: $20 per tank annually from registration until the following October 1
    • Application submitted via the online application system or paper application form under the Application Forms, Checklists, and Information section below.
  • Late registration fee $25 per tank for registrations not completed prior to October 31 of each year.
  • Changes to registration information may be submitted online at the time of registration renewal or via the Owner or Tank Change of Information forms under the Application Forms, Checklists, and Information section below.

Tanks that do not need to be registered with the State Fire Marshal Division include:

  • aboveground tanks of 1,100 gallons or less capacity;
  • tanks containing liquid propane;
  • tanks used for storing of heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored;
  • underground tanks defined by Code of Iowa Section 455B.471.  Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulates UST https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Land-Quality/Underground-Storage-Tanks;
  • flow-through process tanks or tanks containing regulated substances, other than motor vehicle fuel for transportation purposes, used as part of a manufacturing process, system, or facility;
  • farm exemption: 2,000 or less of gasoline or 5,000 or less of diesel.
    • "Farm" means land and associated improvements used to produce agricultural commodities, if at least $1,000 is annually generated from the sale of the agricultural commodities (i.e., crops as defined in Iowa Code Section 202.1 or animals as defined in Iowa Code Section 459.102).

 

Aboveground Storage Tank Flammable or Combustible Liquids Program Contacts

The state of Iowa is covered by two Fire Inspectors for flammable/combustible liquids (aboveground storage tank) plan reviews and inspections.  The program can be reached by email at sfmast@dps.state.ia.us

**NEW**  Application Forms, Checklists, and Information