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CBO
For years, building officials in Pennsylvania, myself included, were taught that propane (LPG) installations inside buildings were exempt from permitting and inspections under the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act (Act 61 of 2002). This belief, though widespread, was built on a misinterpretation that made no sense. Why would installations involving a flammable, combustible fuel gas like propane not require the same level of oversight as natural gas or electric systems? The answer is simple: they do. It’s time to put this misinformation to rest.
The root of this problem lies in how the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act was taught, particularly by instructors in Pennsylvania. Section 15 of the Act preempts municipalities from regulating LPG facilities—defined as distributors, bulk plants, and industrial users—beyond zoning restrictions. However, this preemption applies only to external facilities and has no bearing on LPG appliances, gas piping, or related installations inside buildings. Despite this, many were incorrectly taught that building officials had no authority over propane installations, even within structures. This created widespread confusion and, more importantly, unsafe practices.
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) governs internal installations, including those involving propane. Whether it’s natural gas, electric, or propane, building code officials are required to permit, inspect, and regulate these systems. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (PA L&I) clarified this issue to ensure consistency and safety statewide: the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act does not exempt internal propane installations from UCC oversight. Any claim to the contrary is misinformation rooted in flawed instruction from the past.
This is a call to action for Pennsylvania’s building officials, plans examiners, and inspectors. It’s time to forget the misinformation of the past and get up to speed. Our responsibility is to ensure the safety and compliance of all systems inside buildings, and propane installations are no exception. Misunderstanding this issue has already caused enough confusion, and it’s critical to move forward with accurate information.
Let’s stop perpetuating outdated myths and reaffirm our commitment to public safety. Ensuring that propane systems are properly inspected and permitted is just as important as any other aspect of our work. The safety of the people who live and work in these buildings depends on it.
The root of this problem lies in how the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act was taught, particularly by instructors in Pennsylvania. Section 15 of the Act preempts municipalities from regulating LPG facilities—defined as distributors, bulk plants, and industrial users—beyond zoning restrictions. However, this preemption applies only to external facilities and has no bearing on LPG appliances, gas piping, or related installations inside buildings. Despite this, many were incorrectly taught that building officials had no authority over propane installations, even within structures. This created widespread confusion and, more importantly, unsafe practices.
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) governs internal installations, including those involving propane. Whether it’s natural gas, electric, or propane, building code officials are required to permit, inspect, and regulate these systems. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (PA L&I) clarified this issue to ensure consistency and safety statewide: the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act does not exempt internal propane installations from UCC oversight. Any claim to the contrary is misinformation rooted in flawed instruction from the past.
This is a call to action for Pennsylvania’s building officials, plans examiners, and inspectors. It’s time to forget the misinformation of the past and get up to speed. Our responsibility is to ensure the safety and compliance of all systems inside buildings, and propane installations are no exception. Misunderstanding this issue has already caused enough confusion, and it’s critical to move forward with accurate information.
Let’s stop perpetuating outdated myths and reaffirm our commitment to public safety. Ensuring that propane systems are properly inspected and permitted is just as important as any other aspect of our work. The safety of the people who live and work in these buildings depends on it.