Important buildings
Interpretation of Important Building Policy
Applies to
State Fire Marshal Division inspection personnel and local authority having jurisdiction.
Purpose
To provide for uniform application of provisions relating to the definition of “important building” in 2017 edition of NFPA 58, LP Gas Code, Table 6.4.1.1.
Policy
For the evaluation of separation distances for aboveground LP tanks, a building can be defined as important for several reasons:
- Replacement value
- Human occupancy
- Value of the building contents
- Vital role of its production equipment or business records to a business
- Effect of the building on product release and fire control activities by firefighters and other emergency responders
- Effect of a building fire on the tank
The building is considered important if one or more of the five reasons above apply; separation distances of NFPA 58 Table 6.4.1.1 are required.
Questions?
If you have questions on this policy, email the fire code team. Code staff monitor this email address regularly and will respond to your question. During busier times, it may take up to a week before we are able to respond. If you don't hear back from us after one week, please let us know. Thanks for your patience.