The NEC has the clear space requirements for acess to the panels and other electrical gear. This allows you to work on the equipment. It does not address storage of paints or other flammables. You can go to the NFPA web site and find which of the codes would addrees the storage issue. I would also inform whoevers idea this was that all you need is a spark while the paint fumes are heavy and you won't have to worry about that area again.
