Council Approves Gas-Valve Ordinance

The City Council gave final approval Tuesday to a new ordinance that would require buyers of condominiums and homes to install automatic gas valve shut-off devices within one year of the close of escrow.

The ordinance, approved by a vote of 13 to 1, also would require that owners of other condominiums in the same building install the devices within that time.

City officials said condominium associations may opt to install one valve on a master gas pipe that serves all units, rather than require each unit to install a valve.

The ordinance also would impose a $43 fee to cover the cost of having city inspectors check the work of contractors or building owners.

Although Councilman Nate Holden spoke against the ordinance, introduced by Councilman Hal Bernson, other council members were willing to enact the new law to help prevent fires in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Installation of the valves would cost about $200.

The new ordinance would alter an existing law that requires installation of the valves on all new structures and in existing apartment and commercial buildings that undergo more than $10,000 in renovations.

The new ordinance also would require that owners of homes undergoing that amount of renovation install the valves as a condition of a required city permit.

If signed by Mayor Richard Riordan, the ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1.