Gas Valve Law Enforced
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has begun enforcement of an ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council in December requiring the installation of gas shut-off valves by home sellers before the close of escrow, said a Department of Building and Safety spokesman. Enforcement was delayed pending an amendment to the ordinance by a City Council committee.
The proposed amendment will allow townhome and condominium owners to install the seismic devices only in their individual units at the time of sale.
The new ordinance requires that a seller of an apartment building, however, install the valves in each unit of the building before the close of escrow.
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.
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