Lean to over AC and Propane?

[Whiskeymike]

I have a 30x40 shop with room around it, and in order to get more space for my ever expanding Collection of junk, materials, etc.. I’m thinking of putting a 20x40 lean to off each side. One side would be enclosed on pad, other side would be a gravel floor.

On the gravel side, I would keep it open/no walls (at least mostly based on how much rain carries in) and would store ladders, trailers, etc. there. Problem is that on that side, I have power meter, AC fan unit, and 150lb propane tank that feeds heater inside. I know I’ll have to check local codes/regs, but generally, can you put a lean to roof over a propane tank and AC unit? I think there will be plenty of air flow for ac unit. But concerned it would be a no-no for propane.

Just trying to determine if I’d need to budget moving it, or swapping to electrical.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Propane is heavier than air. As long as there are no sides and nothing to block the "flow" of a propane spill from dispersing, I don't see why this would be an issue.

 

[Showkey]

Propane tank distance and location rules are varied by the tank Size:

https://www.propane101.com/propanetankdistancerules.htm

 

[nadogail]

Good information, thanks for posting.

 

[rlitman]

Propane tank distance and location rules are varied by the tank Size:

https://www.propane101.com/propanetankdistancerules.htm

Great link. The propane issue with the a roof is the relief valve. It needs space to be able to vent in bad situations.

As for the AC, there will NOT be enough airflow for a typical condenser with a fan that points up. If you've got a mini-split with a fan that blows horizontally, it might be ok if it is within a few feet of the edge.

 

[Dustball]

The local gas station to me does propane refilling. They keep the whole works in a metal shed with sides but there's a 6" gap between the sides and the ground all the way around. It keeps the equipment sheltered but still allows propane fumes to escape.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Propane tank distance and location rules are varied by the tank Size:

https://www.propane101.com/propanetankdistancerules.htm

Thanks for the info. It’s a small tank, so distance is short. But this statement makes me think there will be a problem. “ A safety relief valve on an ASME propane tank, if fully activated, will vent propane vertically up and for this reason, propane tanks have to be installed out from under an awning or part of a building overhang.”.

I guess I’ll have to check with local code enforcement.

 

[Showkey]

Are your tank(s) owned or leased ? If they are leased, your suppose call them for this type of modification, move location etc.

Quick call to the propane supplier in your area would give the answer

 

[SteveCh]

My 500 -gallon tank is under a roof like an awning off one side of my tractor port. All sides are open, and my propane delivery driver said that is fine, as long as those sides are fully open. Been that way 30 years and wit numerous drivers.