Berkeley Municipal Code Art. 10 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Chapter 57 of the California Fire Code is partially adopted with adopted sections below. (Sections adopted by the State Fire Marshal remain unless modified below.).

CHAPTER 57 – FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

SECTION 5701 – GENERAL

5701.4.1 Transfer of flammable and combustible liquids. Transfer of flammable and combustible liquids, to or from containers or mobile tanks into above ground or underground tanks shall not be made from or on the street or public way except by written approval by the fire code official.

Exceptions:

1. Transfer of not more than 5 gallons flammable or combustible liquids using a listed or approved portable fuel container of not more than 5 gallons capacity.

2. The transfer of combustible liquids to or from approved, fixed mechanical or electrical system equipment such as a Standby or Emergency electric power generator when the transfer is completed by a commercial fuel vendor using approved dispensing equipment via a previously approved, fixed tank filling port which met code requirements at the time of installation.

SECTION 5704 – STORAGE

5704.2.11.1.1 Restrictions on underground storage tanks. The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in underground tanks is prohibited in all areas zoned solely for residential occupancies, closely built commercial properties, and any other area deemed unsafe by the fire code official.

5704.2.13.1.4 Tanks abandoned in place. Tanks may be abandoned only under permit and following City of Berkeley Fire Department procedures. The owner shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City of Berkeley Toxics Management Division (TMD) that no unauthorized release has occurred. If the soil is contaminated, mitigation must be completed to the satisfaction of the Toxics Management Division (TMD). A notice shall be placed in the deed to the property. This notice shall describe the precise location of the closed underground storage tank, the hazardous substances that it contained, and the closure method. Tanks abandoned in place shall be as follows:

1. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be removed from the tank and connected piping.

2. The suction, inlet, gauge, vapor return and vapor lines shall be disconnected.

3. The tank shall be filled completely with an approved inert solid material.

4. Remaining underground piping shall be capped or plugged.

5. A record of tank size, location and date of abandonment shall be retained.

6. All exterior above-grade fill piping shall be permanently removed when tanks are abandoned or removed.

5704.2.14 Removal and disposal of tanks. Removal and disposal of tanks shall comply with Sections 5704.2.14.1 and 5704.2.14.2. Removal of all tanks shall be authorized under a fire permit, abiding by City of Berkeley Fire Department procedures. The applicant shall submit the following:

1. A site plan showing the location of the tanks.

2. A detailed description of the scope of work.

3. A site safety plan.

4. A vicinity map to the closest hospital, in an event of an emergency.

5. Proof of workers compensation insurance.

The owner shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City of Berkeley Toxics Division that no unauthorized release has occurred. If the soil is contaminated, mitigation must be completed to the satisfaction of the Toxics Division or the California Water Board.

(Ord. 7990-NS § 1, 2025)