Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve Requirements

LAMC 94.1217, California Referenced Standards 12-16-1 and 12-16-2, and where the rule applies

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Overview

A seismic gas shutoff valve shuts off natural gas at the meter when strong ground shaking occurs, which helps prevent gas-fed fires after an earthquake. There is no single statewide mandate to install one. Instead, the requirement is set by local ordinance, with the City of Los Angeles ordinance (LAMC 94.1217) the most widely cited, and in some cases by insurers. California does publish the standards a valve must meet: Referenced Standards 12-16-1 and 12-16-2.

Choosing or sourcing a valve? Start with the earthquake gas shutoff valve guide, which covers valve types, sizing, and how to request a quote.

The Los Angeles Ordinance (LAMC 94.1217.0)

In the City of Los Angeles, Municipal Code Section 94.1217.0 requires an approved seismic gas shutoff valve, or an approved excess-flow shutoff valve, in several situations:

New construction of any building with gas piping.
Alterations or additions valued at more than $10,000.
Work that alters the gas meter, such as relocating, replacing, or upsizing it.
Before a property is sold, including the sale of an individual condominium unit.

CRS 12-16-1 vs 12-16-2

The two accepted devices are certified to different California Referenced Standards (Part 12, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations). Match the device to the standard it must meet:

Device	Standard	What it responds to
Seismic gas shutoff valve	CRS 12-16-1	Ground shaking above a set threshold
Excess-flow shutoff valve	CRS 12-16-2	Gas flow above the normal range, such as a line break

Confirm before ordering: the two devices are not interchangeable. An excess-flow valve does not respond to shaking on its own, and an insurer or another city may specifically require a seismic valve. Verify which one your situation calls for.

Certification and Local Approval

Compliance turns on certification and local approval, not on brand or country of origin. Before buying, confirm:

The valve carries the required California certification for the applicable standard (12-16-1 for seismic valves, 12-16-2 for excess-flow valves).
In Los Angeles, confirm with LADBS that the specific model is approved for the installation.
The model is sized to the gas pipe and the building's gas demand.

Installation and Permits

In the City of Los Angeles, installation usually requires a contractor licensed in the appropriate California classification, on a permit, with narrow code exceptions (for example, a qualified owner installing on their own single-family home, or certain utility-side work). The valve is mounted downstream of the meter per its listing, and an inspection verifies the model, location, and orientation. When the trigger is a property sale, escrow often requires documented proof of compliance before close.

Other Jurisdictions and Insurers

Los Angeles is the most cited example, but it is not the only one. Many California cities and counties have adopted their own ordinances, and the specific triggers vary from place to place. Separately, some insurers ask for risk-reduction devices or offer premium credit for them, and the California Earthquake Authority offers discounts for certain mitigation measures. Always confirm the current rule with your local building and safety department and your insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the seismic gas shutoff valve requirement a statewide California law?

No. Whether you must install one is set by local ordinance (the City of Los Angeles ordinance, LAMC 94.1217, is the most prominent) and by insurers, not by a single statewide mandate. California publishes the standards the valves must meet, Referenced Standards 12-16-1 and 12-16-2, but the requirement to install depends on your city or county and your insurer.

Which standard does my valve need to meet?

A seismic gas shutoff valve must comply with California Referenced Standard 12-16-1. An excess-flow shutoff valve must comply with 12-16-2. Both are in Part 12, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. In Los Angeles, confirm with LADBS that the specific model is approved for the installation.

When does Los Angeles require a valve?

LAMC 94.1217.0 requires one at new construction, at permitted alterations or additions valued at more than $10,000, when work alters the gas meter, and before a property is sold, including the sale of an individual condominium unit.

Who can install it?

Usually a contractor licensed in the appropriate California classification, on a permit. The code allows narrow exceptions, such as a qualified owner installing on their own single-family home, or certain utility-side work.