Get a storage tank permit

The 2015 National Fire Code states that a storage tank:

• is a vessel used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids;
• has a capacity of more than 230 litres;
• is made to be in a fixed location; and
• can be underground or aboveground.

When storage tanks leak, their contents can harm the environment and pose a threat to public health.

Yukon storage tank regulations set requirements for storing hazardous substances including petroleum products, and for keeping records of certain products.

Are permits required for a storage tank?

Yes. Permits are required for storage tanks of all sizes, regardless of where they are situated.

Underground storage tanks

• Storage of hazardous substances other than petroleum products is not permitted in these tanks.
• A permit is required for any underground storage tank system being used to store petroleum products.
• You need a permit for any size of underground tank or tanks system for petroleum products.

Aboveground storage tanks

• holds petroleum products; or
• holds other hazardous substances.

Out-of-use storage tanks

A permit is required to:

• remove an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank systems that have been taken out of service.
• abandon an underground storage tank in place.

Visit Remove an underground fuel tank for more information.

When a storage tank permit is not required

• when tanks store non-hazardous substances, such as water; or
• when tanks are installed on federally regulated lands (for example: Airports; non-settled Indigenous lands; rail lines; pipe lines; telecommunication towers; Canada Post; RCMP; Banks; Parks Canada), they are federally regulated.

To report infractions observed on fuel tanks situated on federally regulated lands in Yukon, or for all other inquiries on the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada via email: reservoirs-py-tanks@ec.gc.ca.

Apply for a storage tank permit

Residential or domestic tanks containing less than 2,000 litres

1. For properties situated in Yukon and anywhere outside of Whitehorse, contact Building Safety and Standards:
   Email: buildingsafety@gov.yk.ca
   Phone: 867-667-5741 or toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 extension 5741
   In person: 2251B Second Avenue in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Building Safety & Standards
   PO Box 2703 (C-8)
   Whitehorse, Yukon
   Y1A 2C6
    
2. For properties situated in the municipality of Whitehorse, contact Land & Building Services:
   Email: adminbuilding@whitehorse.ca
   Phone: 668-8346
   In person: Municipal Services Building at 4210 4th Avenue
   Mail:
   Land & Building Services 
   2121 2nd Avenue
   Whitehorse, Yukon

Commercial above ground tanks intended to be used for storage of petroleum products or hazardous substances require a permit.

For tanks under 2,000L, contact Building Safety and Standards at  867-667-5741.

For tanks equal to or larger than 2,000L contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 867-456-6517.

1. Complete the storage tank system permit application.

2. Submit your application:
   Email: cs.fmo@gov.yk.ca
   In person: 91790 Alaska Highway in Whitehorse. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4 p.m.
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Fire Marshal's Office
   Box 2703 (C-20)
   Whitehorse, Yukon
   Y1A 2C6

Note to all applicants

• The inspecting agency may conduct a pre-permit inspection prior to the issuance of a permit.
• If storing more than 100,000 litres combined on site, the project will be required to undergo an assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act.
• You may be asked for information in addition to that requested on the application.
• You may be required to pay a technical review fee prior to the issuance of a permit.

Visit Prevent fuel and chemical spills for more information on storage and record-keeping.