(a) An underground storage tank that meets all of the following criteria is exempt from the requirements of this chapter:

(1) All exterior surfaces of the tank, including connected piping, and the floor directly beneath the tank, can be monitored by direct viewing.

(2) The structure in which the tank is located is constructed in such a manner that the structure, at a minimum, provides for secondary containment of the contents of the tank, as determined by the local agency designated pursuant to Section 25283.

(3) The owner or operator of the underground storage tank conducts weekly inspections of the tank and maintains a log of inspection results for review by the local agency designated pursuant to Section 25283, as requested by the local agency.

(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5), the local agency designated pursuant to Section 25283 determines that the underground storage tank meets requirements that are equal to or more stringent than those imposed by this chapter.

(5) If the underground storage tank is installed on or after July 1, 2003, notwithstanding Sections 25290.1 and 25290.2, the local agency determines the tank meets both of the following:

(A) Requirements that are equal to, or more stringent than, the requirements of paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a) and subdivisions (b) to (i), inclusive, of Section 25291.

(B) Notwithstanding Section 25281.5, any portion of a vent line, vapor recovery line, or fill pipe that is beneath the surface of the ground is subject to regulation as a “pipe,” as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 25281.

(b) This section does not prohibit a local fire chief or an enforcement agency, as defined in Section 16006, from enforcing the applicable provisions of the local or state fire, building, or electrical codes.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 535, Sec. 4. (AB 1674) Effective January 1, 2011.)