Do I need planning permission to install a fuel tank?
Installing a fuel tank is considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions: Not forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the "original house"*" Not more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings
Do you need building regulations for an oil tank?
The other building regulations requirements for oil tanks you need to be aware of include: It is true that oil spills from domestic tanks are rare, however, they are both damaging and expensive to clean up. It’s best to reduce risk in the first instance.
Can I install my own heating oil tank?
For most homeowners, installing a heating oil tank is not a do-it-yourself project. There is an oil tank installation code and oil tank installation regulations that govern everything from the manufacture, installation, servicing and removal of oil tanks. Unless you have experience installing oil tanks, this is a job best left to professionals.
What is the Permitted Development Regime for oil storage tanks?
The permitted development regime includes liquid petroleum gas tanks as well as oil storage tanks. Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to: Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.
How close to a boundary can I put an oil tank?
Your tank needs to be a specific distance away from non-fire rated parts of your property; for example, 1.8m away from eaves, sheds and gazebos and 760mm away from boundary fencing. You should not place a bunded oil tank within 1.8m of the doors, windows or any other construction openings.
Can I put an oil tank next to my house?
An oil tank has to be a minimum of 1.8 metres away from any part of a building or construction that isn't fire resistant, such as doors, windows, eves and cladding.
How close can an oil tank be to a house UK?
1.8m awayTo protect tanks from an ignition source, tanks should be sited: 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building. 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds) 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure (e.g. brick-built house/garage)
Can I fit my own oil tank?
Can I Install My Own Oil Tank? Anyone can install a new oil tank — as long as the oil tank installation code is upheld. You should be knowledgeable on the various regulations and procedures before taking on such a technical project.
What are the regulations for siting an oil tank?
According to OFTEC, tanks should be sited:1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building,1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds),1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire-rated building or structure (e.g. brick built house/garage),More items...•
How far should an oil tank be from a fence?
Important note: Leave adequate space between the plants and tank – this should be a minimum of 600mm. There is nothing to stop you disguising your oil tank in a little yard. You can match your fencing to that already used around your garden.
Can I put a roof over my oil tank?
Your tank should be on floor level or below ground level – it must never be stored above roof level. Remember, your tank needs to be easily accessed for deliveries and maintenance, but away from areas that are at risk of damage via impact, machinery and weather.
Where should my oil tank be positioned?
We recommend your oil tank is installed outside, above ground within a secondary containment system. Position your tank to minimise risk of pollution and maximise its security. Consider placing it in view of a frequently occupied room so you can keep an eye on it. Theft from oil tanks is becoming increasingly common.
How much does it cost to move an oil tank UK?
The cost of removing a domestic oil tank is normally between £500 and £1,000. This will typically include all labour, transportation and disposal costs.
Are single skinned oil tanks legal?
Single skin oil tanks can be installed at a domestic property where a tank with secondary containment (or bunded oil tank) is not required. Generally a single skin tank cannot legally be installed if the tank is: in excess of 2500 litres. within 10m of controlled water (river, stream, ditch, soakaway, septic tank etc.)
Can I bury my heating oil tank?
Be careful not to bury your oil tank completely, however; a normal above ground oil tank cannot be buried, with only specially made versions able to be buried (and you require the permission of your regional environmental authority in order to do so).
How long is an oil tank good for?
Oil Tank Lifespan Due to the various factors that affect the lifespan of an oil tank, there is no set age of when it should be replaced. While typical industry standard for an inside tank is 15 years and an outside tank is 10, it is critical you do not wait until that age to start thinking about a regular inspection.
Where can you place an oil tank?
We recommend your oil tank is installed outside, above ground within a secondary containment system. Position your tank to minimise risk of pollution and maximise its security. Consider placing it in view of a frequently occupied room so you can keep an eye on it. Theft from oil tanks is becoming increasingly common.
Is it better to have oil tank inside or outside house?
Most experts say there's no competition. You're usually better off with an indoor tank than an outdoor one if you're considering home oil tank options.
Is it better to have an oil tank in the basement or outside?
Storing your oil tank indoors will protect it from the elements, but keeping your tank outside may give you peace of mind in the event of a leak or other malfunctions.
Can you put oil tank in garage?
Depending on the space available to you, domestic oil tanks can be positioned outdoors or indoors (including inside garages or outhouses).
Building Regulations
The installation of a fuel tank should meet the necessary building regulations requirements.
Disclaimer
This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. This guidance relates to the planning regime for England. Policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your Local Planning Authority. Read our full disclaimer.
What is needed to protect oil storage tanks from fire?
If the tank is to be stored above the ground, it will need a protective shield to guard from fire. The oil storage tank will need extra protection from spillage and leakage if there is ground water nearby. A fire valve should be fitted where the pipe will enter the building.
Where should a tank be located in an OFTEC tank?
OFTEC regulations state that tanks must be located: On a platform or stand with at least 300mm around the edge of the tank.
What is a bunded tank?
A bunded tank is simply a tank with a second skin (a ‘bund’). To be compliant the bund must hold 110% of the tank’s capacity, and be impermeable to water and oil (i.e. must not let water/oil in or out). You will need a bunded tank if you answer yes to ANY of the following. Is your oil storage tank located in a place where.
How many litres of oil can a bund hold?
You’ll also need a bund if your tank can hold more than 3,500 litres of oil in England or if it can hold over 2,500 litres in Scotland. Please see our bunded tanks FAQ for more information on bunded tanks.
What is domestic oil storage?
Definition: domestic oil storage tank. An oil storage tank is considered to be for domestic use if it holds less than 3500 litres, supports a single family dwelling (i.e. a house, not a block of flats), and the oil is used for heating and/or cooking purposes.
How long does an oil storage tank last?
A typical oil storage tank has a functional life of 20 years. Do not hesitate to replace an ageing tank.
What happens if you work with someone who isn't registered with OFTEC?
Should you choose work with someone who isn’t registered with a scheme like OFTEC you will be required to arrange inspection from your local building control authority, which will have time and cost implications.
Where are oil tank permits handled?
Permitting and inspections are usually handled at the municipal and county level , and the fees can vary from one jurisdiction to the next. If you’re installing a heating oil tank, it’s to your benefit to research the process for applying for a permit in your town before contracting an installer.
What are the standards for oil tank construction?
The standards regulate the materials that go into the construction of the oil tank, the size of the tank, the type of pressure tests required for the tank, where the drainage valve should be located on a tank, guidelines for proper labeling, and a number of other safety and construction features.
Why are above ground oil tanks better than ground oil tanks?
Aboveground tanks are easier to install and access for maintenance and heating oil deliveries. There aren’t any buried pipes or lines to worry about, so you can choose the size, shape and location of your tank. Aboveground units should be made of durable steel since they’re exposed to the elements. Oil tank installation regulations dictate materials and construction of oil tanks. The ground provides a degree of insulation for buried units and lines, but aboveground tanks are more prone to heating oil gelling.
Why is my oil tank freezing?
Outdoor tanks are vulnerable to the elements. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, which can promote bacterial microbe formation in your tank. The cold can also lead to gelling problems. The ground supports outdoor oil tanks, so their weight can cause them to shift over time, which puts stress on the unit. Another issue with outside oil tanks is the snow settling on the unit and lines, which can cause freezing or gelling.
How many gallons of oil does a tank hold?
The average tank size holds 275-gall ons and will receive one delivery of oil per month during the coldest months of the year. There are smaller and larger tanks available, but if your tank is too large, unused oil can sit too long and can break down without the addition of preservatives.
How does an oil tank thermostat work?
Your thermostat will dictate when your oil-tank system activates. Oil is pumped through a filter to an atomizer, which converts it into a mist. The mist is released into a combustion chamber, where it’s ignited in a controlled burn, releasing heat.
How to prevent oil from gelling?
For instance, the wider the fuel lines, the less chance for them to become clogged due to gelling. Insulating or burying your lines can help prevent the temperatures inside the line from reaching the gel point. Many installers offer housing or sheds that keep snow and ice from forming on the surface and freezing your oil tank. There are also additives that can be added to the oil to prevent it from gelling or waxing.