Portland Fire Code Requirements
Propane
- Portable carts with propane cooking appliances are not allowed inside buildings.
- A permit must be obtained from the Fire Marshal’s Office for use of portable propane bottles larger than 17 ounces.
- For propane tanks greater than 25 gallons, a special tank permit must be obtained from the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- The maximum amount of propane allowed per site/pod cannot exceed 2000 gallons. A site/pod is any area where there are multiple carts.
- Propane tanks are not allowed inside the cart at any time, unless there is a DOT approved cabinet built into the cart to contain the propane tank.
- Propane tanks must be secured to prevent tipping, vandalism and unauthorized persons from operating the valves.
Fire suppression
- Extinguishers must be a minimum 2A:10BC, mounted in plain view on a wall or cabinet, no higher than 5 feet at the top of the extinguisher.
- Extinguishers must be serviced annually and have a tag showing the date of service.
- If cooking with oils deeper than 1/4 inch, a “K‐class” extinguisher is required.
- If installed, fixed fire suppression systems must be serviced every 6 months by a qualified technician and have a tag with the service date. The technician’s service report must be maintained on-site.
Permits
You must get a permit every year for portable propane devices. The permit fee is $35 and must be paid at the time of application.
- Please view the Propane Requirements Video before submitting the propane permit application. You will be required to acknowledge on the application that you understand and will comply with all propane requirements.
- The permit sticker must be in a visible location in the cart/booth.
- Permits expire on December 31st.
- Failure to obtain a proper permit or to comply with fire code requirements is a fire code violation that may result in a citation and fine.
- If you have additional questions about how to obtain a permit, please call: (503) 823‐3712
Fire and life safety recommendations
Exiting
- Workers should not be trapped between cooking appliances and the exit in the event of a fire.
- If cooking equipment is between the work or service area and the exit, a second exit is recommended.
- A service window may be a second exit if:
- The opening is at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide; and
- The window sill is not higher than 44 inches from the floor of the cart; and
- All employees are capable of exiting through the window.
- The public should not be allowed inside the cart. If customers are allowed inside the cart, a second exit is required on each level.
- Carts with a side entrance should be at least 3 feet from the next cart or structure (building, wall, etc.). This pathway must remain clear at all times.
Excess flow valves
These valves close upon excessive discharge of propane and prevent the unwanted release of propane if the cylinder, tank or piping system is damaged.
LP gas alarms
These alarms will alert you when there is an unsafe level of propane.
On‐site delivery service
Transporting portable propane tanks
can pose a serious hazard.
Type I hood and ventilation system
Recommended when cooking produces grease‐laden vapors.
Fixed fire suppression system
Recommended when cooking with oils with a depth greater than 1/4 inch. If there is no fixed system, a tight fitting, non‐combustible lid that can be placed over the cooking vessel is required.
Regular cleaning
All interior and exterior surfaces, including ventilation ducts and fans should be cleaned to prevent build‐up of grease and reduce fire risk.