Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 3-9 Gas Shut-Off Devices

The purpose of this chapter is to require installation of approved excess flow gas shut-off devices in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings under the conditions contained in this chapter.

(Ord. 564 § 3, 2008)

For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms shall be defined as follows:

(a) "Downstream of Gas Utility Meter" shall refer to all customer owned gas piping.

(b) "Excess Flow Gas Shut-Off Device" shall mean those valves or devices that automatically close a valve to stop the flow of gas, upon detecting an excessively high flow rate that can occur when the downstream gas piping is damaged and leaking gas. This device shall not be the type that is actuated by certain levels of earthquake acceleration, shaking, or vibration. The device shall automatically reopen and permit normal gas flow rates when the integrity of the downstream gas piping has been restored. The device shall be certified by the State Architect or the operational and functional design of the device shall meet or exceed the device certified by the Office of the State Architect. The determination of whether the operational and functional design of the device is at least equal to the device certified by the State Architect may be made by one of the following: the Independent Laboratory of the International Approval Services (IAS), Underwriter's Laboratory (UL), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), or other recognized listing and testing agency.

(c) "Residential Building" shall mean any single family dwelling, duplex, multifamily dwelling, apartment building, condominium building, townhouse building, lodging house, congregate residence, hotel, or motel.

(d) "Vulnerable Appliance Fuel Connector" shall mean an assembly of listed semi-rigid or flexible tubing and fittings to carry fuel between a fuel piping outlet and fuel-burning appliance where the connector is susceptible to being broken or damaged by falling objects or by the appliance shifting during an earthquake. This would include, but not be limited to, fuel connectors for clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, and tank-type water heaters regardless of whether or not the appliance is braced, anchored, strapped or fastened in place.

(Ord. 564 § 4, 2008; Ord. 515 § 1, 2000)

An approved excess flow gas shut-off device (non-motion sensitive) shall be installed immediately upstream of any vulnerable appliance fuel connector within the following buildings and structures:

(a) In any new building construction (commercial, industrial or residential) containing fuel gas piping for which a building permit is first issued on or after the effective date of this chapter.

(b) In any existing residential building for which a building permit is first issued on or after the effective date of this chapter for work involving fuel gas piping. When a building permit is issued to an individual condominium or apartment unit, an approved excess flow gas shut-off device shall be installed at each new or existing gas appliance which uses a vulnerable appliance fuel connector to connect it to the gas line only in the unit for which the building permit is issued.

(c) In any existing residential building where the value of the alteration or addition is more than $15,000.00 where fuel gas piping is not involved in the work for which a building permit is first issued on or after the effective date of this chapter. Alterations or additions to individual condominium or apartment units shall require an approved excess flow gas shut-off device to be installed at each gas appliance which uses a vulnerable appliance fuel connector to connect it to a gas line in each individual unit that is being altered or added to.

(d) In any existing commercial or industrial building that has fuel gas piping supplying the building for which a building permit is first issued on or after the effective date of this chapter for work involving fuel gas piping. When a building permit is issued to an individual unit or tenant space, an approved excess flow gas shut-off device shall be installed at each new or existing gas appliance which uses a vulnerable appliance fuel connector to connect it to the gas line only in the unit or tenant space for which the building permit is issued.

(e) In any existing commercial or industrial building where the value of the alteration or addition is more than $15,000.00 where fuel gas piping is not involved in the work for which a building permit is first issued on or after the effective date of this chapter. Alterations or additions to individual units or tenant spaces shall require an approved excess flow gas shut-off device to be installed at each gas appliance which uses a vulnerable appliance fuel connector to connect it to a gas line in each individual unit that is being altered or added to.

(Ord. 564 § 5, 2008)

(a) Excess flow gas shut-off devices installed on a building before the effective date of this chapter are exempt from the requirements of this chapter provided they remain installed on the building or structure and are maintained for the life of the building or structure.

(b) This chapter does not apply to mechanical or process equipment used in manufacturing.

(Ord. 564 § 6, 2008)

Excess flow gas shut-off devices installed either in compliance with this ordinance or voluntarily, with a permit issued on or after the effective date of this chapter, shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a) Be installed by a contractor licensed in the appropriate classification by the State of California and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(b) Be certified by the State Architect or be listed by an approved listing and testing agency such as IAS, IAMPO, UL or the Office of the State Architect.

(c) Where excess flow gas shut-off devices are installed voluntarily or as required by this chapter, they shall be maintained for the life of the building or structure or be replaced with a valve or device complying with the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 564 § 7, 2008; Ord. 515 § 1, 2000)

The Building Inspection Department shall maintain a list of all excess flow gas shut-off devices (non-motion sensitive) which meet or exceed the requirements of devices certified by the Office of the State Architect for installation in the State of California and which comply with the standards and criteria set forth in Health and Safety Code section 19180 et seq.

(Ord. 564 § 8, 2008)

The Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 564 § 10, 2008)