Oregon AST guide
Aboveground storage tank requirements in Oregon
Oregon uses a centralized State Fire Marshal review path for larger aboveground fuel tanks, with the 2025 Oregon Fire Code and separate DEQ triggers layered around the project.
Project sequence
Current fire code: 2025 Oregon Fire Code
The 2025 Oregon Fire Code took effect October 1, 2025. Oregon allowed a 180-day phase-in using the prior code through March 31, 2026. As of April 1, 2026, the 2025 Oregon Fire Code is the operative statewide fire code.
State Fire Marshal plan review begins at 1,000 gallons
The Oregon State Fire Marshal Technical Services Code Unit reviews plans and issues installation approval for flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, or an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. The application and supporting plans must be submitted before installation. OSFM also requires a final inspection before the tank is filled.
Smaller tanks still have code requirements
Falling below the state plan-review threshold does not mean the installation is unregulated. OSFM states that smaller tanks still must meet the Oregon Fire Code, and local planning and building requirements can also apply.
DEQ has a narrower environmental role
Oregon DEQ says the State Fire Marshal has primary responsibility for AST regulation and tracking. DEQ has not adopted general rules for petroleum-AST installation or removal, but DEQ requirements can apply to large petroleum transfers over state waters, reportable releases, gasoline dispensing, and certain new construction/air-permit situations.
Example: contractor yard planning a larger AST
For an Oregon contractor yard, verify the applicable fire-code authority, aggregate and individual tank capacities, product, dispensing layout and vehicle access. Coordinate early with the Oregon State Fire Marshal on whether plan review is required; smaller installations can still be subject to local code requirements. Include drawings and product information with the inquiry rather than assuming gallons alone determine approval.
What to have ready for Oregon review
- Tank specification and recognized construction standard
- Site plan showing setbacks and access
- Secondary-containment design and rainfall/freeboard approach where applicable
- Dispensing, piping, venting, and impact-protection details
- Local planning/building requirements in addition to OSFM review
What not to assume
- Do not assume Oregon has one universal statewide AST permit path for every commercial petroleum tank.
- Do not skip local fire-code/AHJ review because a state environmental program does not regulate the ordinary tank.
- Do not reduce federal SPCC applicability to one tank-size threshold.
Primary sources
- Oregon State Fire Marshal: Aboveground Storage Tanks
- Oregon State Fire Marshal: 2025 Oregon Fire Code
- Oregon DEQ: Aboveground Storage Tanks
- U.S. EPA: Does SPCC Apply to Your Facility?
Related resources
Building an Oregon AST project?
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