Bakersfield has no local ordinance mandating seismic gas shutoff (earthquake) valves on residential property. The applicable law is California Health and Safety Code 19200-19204, which requires that any seismic gas shutoff device sold in California be certified by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), and the California Plumbing Code, which requires installation when triggering events (e.g., certain remodels or new gas service) occur.
California state law at HSC 19200-19204 governs the certification of earthquake-sensitive gas shutoff valves (ESVs) — every device sold in California must be DSA-certified under Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-23 (CCR Title 21). Installation is required by the California Plumbing Code (CPC 1212.0) in certain triggering events, such as new residential gas service or qualifying remodels. Bakersfield enforces these state rules through its building and plumbing permit process under BMC Title 15, but the city itself has not added local triggers (unlike Los Angeles, which has its own LAMC 94.1217 mandate tied to permit valuation thresholds). PG&E and SoCalGas serve Bakersfield and offer customer information on installing certified ESVs.
Installation of a non-certified valve is unlawful under state law and may be cited under BMC Chapter 15.04 (Building Code Administration) when discovered at inspection. Failure to install when triggered by the plumbing code results in a failed final inspection.
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See how Bakersfield's seismic gas shutoff rules stack up against other locations.
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