Does San Leandro, CA have its own seismic gas shutoff ordinance?

No. San Leandro, CA does not appear to have a local seismic gas shutoff ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California H&S Code 19200.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in San Leandro

San Leandro, CA Earthquake Safety: Seismic Gas Shutoff (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law: Cal. H&S Code 19200-19205; CBC 1.8.5
Standard: ASCE 25-certified valve
Trigger - Alteration: $10,000+ and gas piping work
Installation Location: Downstream of PG&E meter
Typical Cost: $200 - $700 installed

Summary

California Health and Safety Code 19200-19205 and California Building Code 1.8.5 require seismic gas shutoff valves for certain new construction and major alterations. In San Leandro, PG&E and the City Building & Safety Division enforce these triggers under SLMC Title 7 Chapter 7-5.

Health and Safety Code - HSC DIVISION 13. HOUSING [17000 - 19997] PART 3. MISCELLANEOUS [19000 - 19892] CHAPTER 2. Earthquake Protection [19100 - 19217] ARTICLE 7. Seismic Gas Shutoff Devices [19200 - 19204]
19200. The Legislature finds and declares that existing law does not require that any new seismic gas shutoff valve sold by any person in this state shall, prior to sale, be certified by the State Architect. (Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 268, Sec. 1.)

Source: California H&S Code 19200View official code

Full Breakdown

Seismic gas shutoff valves (also called earthquake-actuated valves) automatically shut off natural gas service when ground motion exceeds 5.4 magnitude or specific accelerations. Under CBC 1.8.5 and HSC 19200, valves are required when: (1) the cost of an addition or alteration exceeds $10,000, (2) the project requires a building permit and includes work on the gas piping system, or (3) the building is in a designated high-risk zone. Valves must be ASCE 25-certified and installed downstream of the PG&E meter by a licensed plumber. The Hayward Fault corridor on the eastern edge of San Leandro makes seismic shutoffs especially relevant. Valves typically cost $200-$700 installed.

Violations & Fines

Major alterations performed without the required gas shutoff valve will fail final inspection and cannot receive a certificate of occupancy. Selling a property after a triggered alteration without the valve installed may give rise to civil disclosure claims under California Civil Code 1102.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a seismic gas shutoff valve in my San Leandro home?

Only if your project triggers California Building Code 1.8.5, typically a permitted alteration exceeding $10,000 that includes gas piping work, or new construction. Existing homes are not retroactively required to install one, but it is strongly recommended given the proximity of the Hayward Fault.

Who installs seismic gas shutoff valves in San Leandro?

Licensed C-36 plumbing contractors install the valve downstream of the PG&E meter. PG&E does not install the valve itself. The Building & Safety Division at 510-577-3405 will inspect installation as part of any required permit.

Sources & Official References

[1]California H&S Code 19200

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All San Leandro rules

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