Mobile Fueling – New 2018 Code Provisions and Resources for AHJs

The 2018 Fire Code establishes permitting for “on demand mobile fueling”, a newer service where cars are refueled at their parking location. Section 5707 of the 2018 Fire Code sets out a permitting structure that includes: an “operator” permit for the company offering the service, a “vehicle” permit for each truck dispensing gas, and a “site” permit for locations where mobile fueling is allowed to occur.  

If your agency intends to permit mobile fueling, you may be interested in downloading WSAFM’s standard permit conditions for mobile on demand fueling operators, vehicles, and sites.  WSAFM created these in conjunction with industry stakeholders, partner agencies, and the Fire Code TAG.  AHJs may download and use these templates in their permitting program.  The conditions align with the 2018 Washington State code including SBCC amendments that took effect July 10, 2021.  

Effective July 10, 2021, the 2018 Washington State Fire Code now allows fire departments to accept “operator” and “truck” permits issued by other Washington State fire departments who meet the code standards, instead of issuing their own permit. To date, WSAFM has learned that the Seattle Fire Department is issuing operator and vehicle permits and performing truck inspections that other AHJs may opt to recognize.  As required under the new 2018 code, Seattle is maintaining a list of current mobile fueling permit holders for your reference.  We will continue to update this post with additional issuing jurisdictions for reference.

Local jurisdictions continue to have sole authority for mobile fueling site permits.