(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council at their August 16 meeting approved a new ordinance regulating how propane can be stored and used in the city limits.

The new regulations apply to propane storage containers larger than 4.6 gallon or 20--pounds, commonly known as a grill cylinder, and used for the purpose of providing primary or secondary energy alternatives.

The new regulations require tanks to be buried in the ground with annual inspections by a certified inspector.

Once abandoned, tanks would have to be removed unless the owner shows good cause way abandonment is practical and necessary.

The city Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance following a public hearing August 14.

The Council voted last month to send the proposed ordinance to the planning Commission for review.

Its in response to a state statue approved in 2021 that limits municipalities' ability to completely ban residential and commercial propane installations.

In other business, the Council approved an updated public sidewalk, curb and gutter improvement policy. The updated policy increases the maximum allowable reimbursement per project to 50 percent, up to $3,400.

The Council also approved the re-appointment of Betty Wenzel to the Seneca Housing Authority Board for another 4-year term, beginning September 1.