Tanks for Fueling Vehicles on Residential Property Are Prohibited

Rising fuel prices and the prospect of $4-a-gallon gasoline has people thinking of ways to beat the increase or save money. Commerce's ERS Division staff is receiving calls from municipalities expressing concerns about motor vehicle fueling and storage tanks; and asking what the regulations are for fuel storage, especially on residential property. Of particular concern is people picking up farm-type gravity-flow tanks and placing them on residential property or in other locations that are not suitable for motor vehicle fueling. 

The storage of flammable or combustible liquids in portable containers and barrels (which generally are smaller than 100 gallons) is regulated under chapter Comm 14, the Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code, which is primarily enforced by the local fire department. Storage tanks are regulated under chapter Comm 10, the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Comm 10 has specific requirements for pre-installation plan review and approval for storage tanks, along with specific technical design and equipment requirements, and setbacks for the tanks and dispensing system.

Motor vehicle fueling is allowed only at service stations, commercial facilities for fleet fueling, farms and construction projects. Vehicle fueling is prohibited on residential property because of the very high fire-safety and environmental-contamination risks associated with motor vehicle fuels.

-- Sheldon Schall