Section 2304 — DISPENSING OPERATIONS

2304.1 Supervision of dispensing. ¶

The dispensing of fuel at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be conducted by a qualified attendant or shall be under the supervision of a qualified attendant at all times or shall be in accordance with Section 2304.3.

2304.2 Attended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities. ¶

Attended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with Sections 2304.2.1 through 2304.2.5. Attended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall have not less than one qualified attendant on duty while the facility is open for business. The attendant’s primary function shall be to supervise, observe and control the dispensing of fuel. The attendant shall prevent the dispensing of fuel into containers that do not comply with Section 2304.4.1, control sources of ignition, give immediate attention to accidental spills or releases, and be prepared to use fire extinguishers.

2304.2.1 Special-type dispensers. Approved special-dispensing devices and systems such as, but not limited to, card- or coinoperated and remote-preset types, are allowed at motor fuel-dispensing facilities provided that there is not less than one qualified attendant on duty while the facility is open to the public. Remote preset-type devices shall be set in the “off” position while not in use so that the dispenser cannot be activated without the knowledge of the attendant.

2304.2.2 Emergency controls. Approved emergency controls shall be provided in accordance with Section 2303.2.

2304.2.3 Operating instructions. Dispenser operating instructions shall be conspicuously posted in approved locations on every dispenser.

2304.2.4 Obstructions to view. The attendant shall have a direct line of sight to observe fuel-dispensing operations at all times. Obstructions shall not be placed between the dispensing area and the attendant.

Exception: Video monitoring systems shall be permitted to supplement direct line of sight supervision where approved by the fire code official.

2304.2.5 Communications. The attendant shall be able to communicate with persons in the dispensing area at all times. An approved method of communicating with the fire department shall be provided for the attendant.

2304.3 Unattended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities. ¶

Unattended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with Sections 2304.3.1 through 2304.3.7.

2304.3.1 General. Where approved, unattended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities are allowed. As a condition of approval, the owner or operator shall provide, and be accountable for, daily site visits, regular equipment inspection and maintenance.

2304.3.2 Dispensers. Dispensing devices shall comply with Section 2306.7. Dispensing devices operated by the insertion of coins or currency shall not be used unless approved.

2304.3.3 Emergency controls. Approved emergency controls shall be provided in accordance with Section 2303.2. Emergency controls shall be of a type that is only manually resettable.

2304.3.4 Operating instructions. Dispenser operating instructions shall be conspicuously posted in approved locations on every dispenser and shall indicate the location of the emergency controls required by Section 2304.3.3.

2304.3.5 Emergency procedures. An approved emergency procedures sign, in addition to the signs required by Section 2305.6, shall be posted in a conspicuous location and shall read:

IN CASE OF FIRE, SPILL OR RELEASE

USE EMERGENCY PUMP SHUTOFF
REPORT THE ACCIDENT!

FIRE DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE NO. ______

FACILITY ADDRESS _____________________

2304.3.6 Communications. A telephone not requiring a coin to operate or other approved, clearly identified means to notify the fire department shall be provided on the site in a location approved by the fire code official.

2304.3.7 Quantity limits. Dispensing equipment used at unsupervised locations shall comply with one of the following:

Dispensing devices shall be programmed or set to limit uninterrupted fuel delivery to 25 gallons (95 L) and require a manual action to resume delivery.
The amount of fuel being dispensed shall be limited in quantity by a preprogrammed card as approved.

23-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES

2304.4 Dispensing into portable containers. ¶

The dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids into portable approved containers shall comply with Sections 2304.4.1 through 2304.4.3.

2304.4.1 Approved containers required. Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall not be dispensed into a portable container unless such container does not exceed a 6-gallon (22.7 L) capacity, is listed or of approved material and construction, and has a tight closure with a screwed or spring-loaded cover so designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling. Liquids shall not be dispensed into portable or cargo tanks.

2304.4.2 Nozzle operation. A hose nozzle valve used for dispensing Class I liquids into a portable container shall be in compliance with Section 2306.7.6 and be manually held open during the dispensing operation.

2304.4.3 Location of containers being filled. Portable containers shall not be filled while located inside the trunk, passenger compartment or truck bed of a vehicle.