California does not mandate seismic gas shutoff valves for existing single-family homes. Some Orange County cities require them upon property sale. SoCalGas recommends but does not require automatic shutoff valves. Installation requires a plumbing permit.
California Health & Safety Code 19180-19188 addresses seismic gas shutoff valves but does not mandate installation in existing single-family homes statewide. Some incorporated OC cities (such as Newport Beach and Irvine) require installation at point of sale or during major renovations. Unincorporated Orange County does not currently mandate seismic gas shutoff valves for existing homes. New construction with gas service should include seismic shutoff provisions per current building codes. SoCalGas, the gas utility serving Orange County, recommends automatic shutoff valves but does not require them. Valves must be installed by a licensed plumber and require a plumbing permit from OC Building. Excess flow valves (which shut off gas when a major leak is detected) are an alternative to seismic-triggered valves. After-earthquake gas shutoff should be done manually if you smell gas or hear hissing.
No violation for not having a seismic gas shutoff valve in unincorporated OC. Installation without a plumbing permit is a building code violation. Some cities require installation at sale — check if your parcel was recently annexed.
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See how Irvine's seismic gas shutoff rules stack up against other locations.
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