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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo uses a nuisance-based noise standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most residential situations. The General Plan Noise Element establish...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo is not within the primary noise contour of any major airport. The nearest commercial airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), approximately 15 mile...
Mission Viejo, CA
Outdoor music in Mission Viejo must not be audible beyond property boundaries at levels that disturb neighbors. The city hosts outdoor concerts at the Lake a...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo does not have a citywide overnight parking ban on public streets, but the 72-hour storage limit applies. Most HOA communities restrict or prohi...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo generally allows street parking but restricts it in certain areas through posted signage. The 72-hour vehicle storage limit on public streets i...
Mission Viejo, CA
Mission Viejo actively enforces abandoned vehicle regulations on public streets and private property. Vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or parked f...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how Mission Viejo's seismic gas shutoff rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.