BMC 19.34.040 requires installation of a listed motion-activated seismic gas shut-off valve in every newly constructed building containing fuel gas piping, and in existing buildings whenever a mechanical or plumbing permit is issued for any addition, alteration, or repair on a single-meter gas service.
Under BMC 19.34.040, a 'listed motion activated gas shut-off valve' must be installed on the customer side of every gas meter serving a building or structure containing fuel gas piping. In existing buildings served by a single gas meter, the valve must be installed whenever an addition, alteration, or repair triggers a mechanical or plumbing permit — meaning most water-heater swaps, furnace replacements, and remodels in Berkeley now require valve installation as part of the permit. Valves must be listed under ASCE 25 / ANSI Z21.70 and are designed to trip automatically in seismic events stronger than approximately magnitude 5.3 (peak ground acceleration around 0.3 g). They must be rigidly mounted to the building unless the manufacturer's instructions specify otherwise, must be accessible for resetting, and must be installed by a licensed plumber or contractor.
Failure to install a required seismic shut-off valve is a permit violation; the Building Official can withhold final inspection sign-off and certificate of occupancy until the valve is in place. Continued noncompliance is enforced under BMC general penalties — civil fines up to $5,000 per day plus correction orders. Tampering with or disabling an installed valve also exposes the owner to PG&E gas-service shutoff.
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