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Residents and council debate safety, setbacks for residential propane tanks; staff asked to draft guidance
Summary
Residents raised questions about using propane tanks for home heating as prices climb; council members discussed safety setbacks, aesthetics and feasibility for small lots and asked staff to prepare a brief recommendation rather than proposing an immediate ordinance.
During privilege of the floor, a resident reported inquiries about converting home heating to propane and asked whether the town had an ordinance restricting residential propane tanks. Council members discussed safety setbacks (citing that tanks must be set back from structures), aesthetic considerations, and practical constraints for smaller properties.
One council member said, "I could see there where there could be a time in the future where there might need to be some sort of direction as to where it can be placed for safety." Members agreed not to draft an ordinance at that moment but asked staff to prepare a short two-page summary with options and recommended placement guidance so the council can consider whether formal regulations are needed.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; the item was left at direction to staff to research setbacks, potential code changes and enforcement mechanisms and return with recommendations.
