Enforcement Delayed on Shut-Off Valve Measure

Enforcement of an ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council at the end of last year requiring the installation of gas shut-off valves before the close of escrow has been put on hold, said a spokesman for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. An amendment, aimed at clarifying language in the measure, is pending before the City Council. The council is expected to act on it shortly.

While the ordinance is under review, home buyers still have one year after the purchase of their houses to install the seismic shut-off valves.

Under a directive from the California Public Utilities Commission, the valves no longer will be installed by the Gas Co. but by private contractors, whose work will be inspected by the Department of Building and Safety. Homeowners can obtain a list of qualified contractors from that agency. A permit, which costs $43.40, is required to install the device.