What is a seismic gas shutoff valve?
A valve on the gas line that closes by itself when an earthquake shakes it. The city's code accepts either a seismic gas shutoff valve or an excess flow shutoff valve, which closes when gas suddenly flows faster than it should, as it would through a broken line.
Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code 94.1216.0. Checked October 17, 2026.
When does Los Angeles require one?
In three cases: when a residential alteration or addition valued at more than $10,000 gets its building permit, when the gas meter is altered or replaced, and before a building with gas piping is sold.
The selling rule applies before the agreement of sale, or before escrow closes when an escrow agreement is in place. It covers any building with fuel gas piping.
Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code 94.1216.0. Checked October 17, 2026.
Which section of the code is it?
Los Angeles Municipal Code section 94.1216.0, as the city's code library numbers it now.
Sources: Los Angeles Municipal Code 94.1216.0; LADBS, Requirements When Selling. Checked October 17, 2026.
Who can install one?
A California-licensed contractor in the right classification. The state's C-36 Plumbing classification lists gas earthquake valves among the health and safety devices a plumbing contractor maintains and replaces.
Source: CSLB, C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification. Checked October 17, 2026.
Does this apply outside Los Angeles?
This page covers the City of Los Angeles rule, which reaches Encino, Northridge, Panorama City and North Hollywood. San Fernando, Santa Clarita, the County areas, Palmdale, San Bernardino and Bakersfield are separate jurisdictions, and we found no matching rule published for them. A valve is still allowed anywhere a homeowner wants one.
If you smell gas
Don't look for the valve. SoCalGas says to evacuate the area immediately and call them from a safe location, and to call 911 if the leak could endanger life or property or you can't reach them.
Source: SoCalGas, Natural Gas Leak. Checked October 17, 2026.
