Oil tank regulations: where it can go, the base and bunding

The rules for a home heating oil tank of up to 3,500 litres: how far it must be from your house and fence, what it has to stand on, and whether it needs a bund. Every figure comes from OFTEC, the government or local councils.

Checked against OFTEC, GOV.UK, Scotland's building standards and council guidance. Last reviewed October 2026. How we check

Where an oil tank can go

The distances are there to protect your home if there's a fire. They apply to tanks of 3,500 litres or less.

Keep the tank this far from	Distance	Source
A building that isn't fire rated, such as a house wall or garden shed	1.8 m	OFTEC, Scottish building standards
Eaves that aren't fire rated	1.8 m	OFTEC, Scottish building standards
A door, window or other opening in a fire-rated building	1.8 m	OFTEC, Scottish building standards
The flue terminal of an oil boiler or other oil appliance	1.8 m	OFTEC
A boundary that isn't fire rated, such as a wooden fence	760 mm	OFTEC, Scottish building standards
Screening that isn't part of the boundary, such as trellis or planting	600 mm	OFTEC

Can't keep to the distances? OFTEC says to put up a barrier rated to at least 30 minutes' fire resistance, at least 300 mm from the tank unless the tank maker says more. OFTEC
Scotland's building standards describe the barrier as a solid, non-combustible wall or screen at least 300 mm higher than the tank and 300 mm beyond each end. Scottish building standards
In a garage or outbuilding, OFTEC says the tank must be enclosed in a chamber with 60 minutes' fire resistance. OFTEC

What the tank has to stand on

The base must be non-combustible, solid and level, and strong enough to take the full weight of the tank when it's full. OFTEC, Scottish building standards
It must extend at least 300 mm beyond every side of the tank. OFTEC, Scottish building standards
Scotland's building standards give concrete at least 100 mm thick, or paving slabs at least 42 mm thick, as suitable bases. Scottish building standards

Does my oil tank need a bund?

A bund (secondary containment) is an outer layer that catches oil if the tank leaks. Whether you need one depends on what's near the tank. Choose where you live and tick anything that applies.

Bund needed?tank up to 3,500 L

Tick anything that applies to your tank.

England uses Forest of Dean District Council's published list. The official guidance for England is Approved Document J, which your installer works to. Scotland's list is for tanks up to 2,500 litres; bigger tanks there come under separate oil storage regulations. In Wales and Northern Ireland, ask an OFTEC registered technician or your council.

Buying an oil tank

Check the standard it's made to. Plastic tanks to OFTEC OFS T100, steel tanks to OFTEC OFS T200 or British Standard 799-5. Scottish building standards, Environment Agency
Bunded or single skin? An integrally bunded tank is a tank and catchment built as one unit. A bund must hold at least 110% of the tank's capacity. Scottish building standards, Environment Agency, Forest of Dean council
Even where a bund isn't required, OFTEC and Forest of Dean District Council suggest considering one. OFTEC and FPS, Forest of Dean council

Who can fit an oil tank

New and replacement tanks should be fitted by an OFTEC registered technician. Forest of Dean council, OFTEC
In England and Wales, OFTEC registered technicians can self-certify that the work meets building regulations. OFTEC
If your installer isn't registered, you need to give Building Control notice and pay for an inspection, which OFTEC warns can be costly and slow. In Scotland you may need a building warrant. OFTEC

Find an OFTEC registered technicianOpens OFTEC's official search.

Looking after your tank

OFTEC says oil tanks have an expected working life of around 20 years, and the risk of a costly failure grows with age. OFTEC
Have the tank checked once a year, for example at the boiler's annual service. OFTEC, Forest of Dean council, OFTEC and FPS
Look at it yourself between services, especially after bad weather, for rust, cracks, bulging or a strong smell of oil. OFTEC, Forest of Dean council
Keep an eye on the oil level: a sudden drop can mean a leak. OFTEC and FPS

If your oil tank leaks

Find where it's coming from and stop more oil escaping, for example by closing the valve. OFTEC and FPS, Forest of Dean council
Call the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. OFTEC and FPS, GOV.UK
Tell your oil supplier and your home insurer. OFTEC and FPS, Forest of Dean council
Don't wash oil into a drain or the ground, and don't use detergent on it. Oil that has soaked into the ground needs a professional clean-up company. OFTEC and FPS

Tanks over 3,500 litres

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 don't apply to a home's oil tank of 3,500 litres or less. legislation.gov.uk, Environment Agency
At a home with a tank of 3,501 litres or more, the Environment Agency's oil storage rules apply, including a bund holding 110% of the tank. Environment Agency

Common questions

How far does an oil tank have to be from a house?

OFTEC's homeowner guide says 1.8 m from a building that isn't fire rated, and from doors, windows and other openings. Scotland's building standards use the same 1.8 m. If you can't meet it, OFTEC says to use a fire barrier rated to at least 30 minutes.

How far does an oil tank have to be from a fence?

760 mm from a boundary that isn't fire rated, such as a wooden fence, according to OFTEC and Scotland's building standards. OFTEC gives 600 mm from screening such as trellis that isn't part of the boundary.

Do I need a bunded oil tank?

It depends on where the tank is. Councils and Scotland's building standards say a bund is needed near rivers and other water, near wells, boreholes and springs, where a spill could reach a drain, or where you can't see the vent pipe from the fill point. Both OFTEC and Forest of Dean District Council suggest considering a bund even where it isn't required.

How long does an oil tank last?

OFTEC says oil tanks have an expected working life of around 20 years, and that the risk of a costly failure grows as the tank gets older.

Can I install an oil tank myself?

OFTEC says registered technicians can self-certify that a new tank meets building regulations in England and Wales. If you use someone who isn't registered, you'll need to notify Building Control and pay for an inspection. In Scotland you may need a building warrant.

What do I do if my oil tank is leaking?

Stop the oil flowing if you can, for example by closing the valve. Call the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60, then your oil supplier and your home insurer. Don't wash oil into a drain or use detergent on it.

Sources

Last reviewed October 2026. Spotted something that doesn't match your manual? Email hello@boilercodes.co.uk and we'll check it. How we check