Michigan aboveground fuel tank requirements

Michigan fire-service rules are the starting point

Michigan's Bureau of Fire Services administers Flammable and Combustible Liquids rules for covered ASTs. The applicable provisions depend on fuel classification and whether the tank is used for storage, vehicle fueling, or another purpose.

Plan review threshold and timing

Michigan Administrative Rule R 29.5654 states that for covered AST installations with individual capacity greater than 1,100 gallons, the owner or designee must apply to the Bureau of Fire Services for plan review at least 30 days before installation. Tanks of 1,100 gallons or less still must comply with applicable rules, even though the cited state plan-review/certification process is not required for them.

Prepare the installation plans

The required submittal includes a plot map identifying buildings, roads, property lines and drainage infrastructure, along with existing tank locations, proposed tanks, dimensions, construction, contents and containment information. Confirm the current BFS-3859 application and instructions before installation.

Dispensing, farms and local authority

Motor-fuel dispensing facilities and farm tanks can have additional distinctions. A tank below the state plan-review threshold is not universally exempt from fire protection or local requirements. Contact BFS and the relevant local fire/building authority to confirm the equipment specification and applicable permitting path.

Federal requirements and buyer checklist

Federal SPCC is a separate site- and capacity-dependent assessment. Document location, flash point/product, individual and aggregate capacities, tank type, pumping/dispensing use, secondary containment, emergency access and intended installation date. Ask BFS and local officials what review is needed before equipment purchase.

Primary sources

• Michigan LARA — What rules apply to my tank?
• Michigan administrative rules — FL/CL permits (R 29.5654)
• Michigan BFS — AST installation application