Services > Community Development

OverviewBuilding DivisionEngineering DivisionForms and PermitsPermit Info and Requirements
Planning and ZoningPolicies Processes and ProceduresPublic Health Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Liquid Storage Tanks

All flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks are required to be permitted by the Village of Wheeling prior to their installation.  In order to obtain a permit, the following must be submitted to the Community Development Department and the Fire Prevention Bureau for review:

• Approved installation permit from the Office of the State Fire Marshall

• Detailed site drawings indicating the intended installation location with dimensions shown to clearances, setbacks, etc.

• Manufacturer cut-sheets for the actual tank and associated piping, equipment, etc.

Miscellaneous Zoning Issues/Concerns

There are various zoning issues associated with the placement of flammable/combustible liquid storage tanks within the Village of Wheeling.  Property owners are strongly encouraged to discuss their intentions with the Building and Zoning Administrator at (847) 459-2620 (Community Development Department), prior to submitting any documents for review.  Above-ground storage tanks are only permitted on parcels zoned as I-2 and I-3.

Underground Storage Tanks

Placement Restrictions (F-3208.2)

• Flammable liquid storage tanks shall be placed a minimum of 1 foot from any wall and 3 feet from any lot line.

• Combustible liquid storage tanks shall be placed a minimum of 1 foot from any wall and 1 foot from any lot line.

Excavation Restrictions (F-3208.3)

• Minimum backfill underneath each tank shall be 1 foot.

• Maximum depth shall be twice the diameter of the tank or 23 feet, whichever is less.

Ground Water and Flood Protection Requirements (F-3208.4)

• Hold down straps per manufacturer's specifications.

• Hold down pad separated from the tank by a minimum of 6 inches (steel tank) or 12 inches (non-metallic tank).

Installation and Backfill Requirements (F-3208.5)

• Minimum backfill for a steel tank: 12 inches.

• Minimum backfill for a non-metallic tank: 24 inches.

• Backfill must be non-corrosive, inert material (for example, pea gravel, crushed rock, sand, etc.).

• Minimum diameter (pea gravel): 1/2 inch.

• Maximum diameter (pea gravel): 3/4 inch.

• Minimum diameter (crushed rock): 1/8 inch.

• Maximum diameter (crushed rock): 1/2 inch.

Tank Coverage in Traffic Areas (F-3208.6)

Option #1:  minimum backfill of 18 inches with 6 inches of reinforced concrete.

Option #2:  minimum backfill of 30 inches with 6 inches of asphalt.

Note in both cases, the cover must extend a minimum of 1 foot beyond the vertically projected line of the storage tank.

Corrosion Protection (F-3208)

All steel underground storage tanks and/or associated metallic equipment/devices shall be protected from corrosion.  Metallic connections to steel tanks shall be by dielectric fittings.  Metallic hold down straps shall be electrically isolated from steel tanks.

Leak Detection (F-3208.9)

All underground storage tanks and piping systems shall be monitored in an approved manner.

Tank Testing (F-3208.10)

After installation and prior to adding flammable or combustible liquids, the tank shall be pressure tested to a minimum of 3 psi and a maximum of 5 psi for 60 minutes (1 hour) without additional air/gas being added.

Abandonment of Underground Tanks (F3208.11)

After 1 year or if determined to be leaking, the underground storage tank and its associated piping must be removed and the site restored/remediated is an appropriate manner.

Above-Ground Storage Tanks

General Requirements (F-3207)

Above-ground storage tanks shall only be used for the storage of motor fuels (gasoline or diesel).

Fuel Dispensing Systems (F-3207.5)

All tanks shall be manufactured in accordance with UL Standard #2085: "Insulated Above-Ground Liquid Storage Tanks for Flammable & Combustible Liquids".  All tanks shall be constructed of insulated steel double walls with interior leak detection and shall be encased in factory poured concrete.  Field poured concrete installations will not be accepted.  All tanks shall have a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours.  Independent certification of the fire resistance rating shall be provided prior to delivery.

Barrier Protection (F-3207.5.1)

Physical barriers with a minimum height of 30 inches and capable of resisting a horizontal force of 12,000 pounds shall be placed around each above-ground storage tank.

Capacity Limits (F-3207.5.3)

Individuals tank capacity shall not be less than 500 gallons or more than 2,000 gallons.  The combined capacity of any above-ground storage tanks on a single parcel of land shall not exceed 2,000 gallons.  The maximum number of above-ground storage tanks allowed on a single parcel of land is 2.

Shutoffs (F-3207.5.4)

Automatic shut-off devices capable of stopping the delivery of fuel into the storage tank at a 90% tank capacity shall be installed.

Fuel Delivery (F-3207.5.5.)

Fuels shall be transferred from the tank by use of a fixed pump.  The pump shall be designed and equipped to allow the control of flow and prevent leakage or accidental discharge.  Dispensing devices will be permitted to be installed on top of special enclosures.

Tank Openings and Connections (F-3207.5.6)

All tank and tank enclosure openings for inspection, piping, and/or venting shall only be through the top.  Approved antisiphon devices shall be installed at each piping connection to the tank, where piping extends below the top of the tank.

Separation Distances (F-3207.5.7)

Each tank and each special enclosure shall be separated from all buildings by a minimum of 10 feet and from each lot line and/or public way by a minimum of 17 feet.  No tank shall be permitted in any required yard, as defined by Title 19, the Zoning Code of the Village of Wheeling.  The minimum distance between each tank and each special enclosure shall be 5 feet.