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.
Orange, CA
Leaf blowers in Orange must not exceed 70 dBA measured at 50 feet and cannot be operated within 10 feet of windows, doors, or air intakes on neighboring prop...
Orange, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in Orange is regulated under OMC Chapter 8.24 and the city's General Plan noise element. Industrial operations must not creat...
Orange, CA
Construction in Orange is permitted Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and federal holidays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM under OMC Ch...
Orange, CA
The City of Orange enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under OMC Chapter 8.24. During these hours, noise audible from 100 feet of the property line...
Orange, CA
Vehicles parked on Orange streets for more than 72 consecutive hours without movement may be towed as abandoned under California Vehicle Code Section 22651 a...
Orange, CA
Pool barriers in Orange must be at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per California Building Code Section 3109 and Orange County Ordin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how Orange'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.