Although a shutoff valve for a gas appliance is considered a service valve and not an emergency shutoff, the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code [FBC G2420(409)] and the International Residential Code (IRC) outline specific requirements for them:

• WITHIN THE SAME ROOM - The shutoff valve must be located in the same room and within 6 feet of the appliance, and upstream of the connection to the appliance. 

• ACCESS - Shutoff valves should be located where there is access for operation and they are protected from damage. “Access,” as defined by the code, means that a removable cover panel is allowed. A gas shutoff serving a movable gas appliance (like a gas range or clothes dryer) is considered accessible when installed behind the appliance.

• TWO EXCEPTIONS - 1) Shutoffs for vented decorative appliances, room heaters, and decorative appliances for installation in a vented gas fireplaces are permitted to be installed in an area remote from the appliance. The remote valve must be permanently identified and not serve any other appliance. The key word here is “vented,” so an unvented gas fireplace is not given this exception.

2) Where the appliance shutoff valve is located at a manifold, the valve must be located within 50 feet of the appliance, readily accessible, and permanently identified.

• FIREPLACE FIREBOX SHUTOFF - A shutoff in a fireplace firebox must be located in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

• PROHIBITED LOCATIONS - Shutoff valves cannot be located in furnace plenums or concealed locations. A “concealed location” is defined by the fuel gas code as a location that cannot be accessed without damaging permanent parts of the building structure or finish surfaces. Spaces above, below, or behind readily removable panels or doors are not considered concealed. A concealed location may be defined differently in codes other than the fuel gas code.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about PLUMBING PIPES:

• What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks?

• What causes a gurgling sound when a bathtub or sink drains? 

• What is a "combination waste and vent" in a plumbing system? 

• What are the pipes sticking out near my water valves?

• How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab?

• What is the difference between water pipe and sewage (waste) pipe? 

• Are plastic pipes (PVC, CPVC, and PEX) safe for drinking water? 

• Is a hot water faucet handle required to be on the left? 

• What is a dielectric union? 

• What's that powdery crust on the pipe connections at the water heater? 

• Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers?

• What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? 

• Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable?

• Can you connect CPVC pipe directly to a gas water heater?  

     Visit our PLUMBING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.