Gas Lines & Piping | City of San José

Icon - Black outline of piping, pipe joints, and spicket For all types of properties
Updated: 04/14/2026

A mechanical and/or plumbing permit is required to install or alter gas piping. It is easy to get these permits online.

Online permits - Available online building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are listed at Online Building Permits.

Why a permit is vital - To protect your safety and property from harmful gas hazards, it is vital that the work complies with current California codes. A City inspector will check for code compliance. Note: Insurance companies may deny claims related to unpermitted work.

IMPORTANT: The installation must meet the requirements outlined below. Be ready to provide the City inspector with the Gas Line Sizing Worksheet.

Permit Process

Get Ready to Apply

Who can apply? We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for others who may apply. Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. See Owner-Builders Beware!

SJPermits can help. At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information. An SJPermits account is required only if you are applying for an online permit or for projects that require Standard Plan Review.

How to Apply

Go to SJPermits.org.
Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
You can secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment.
After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
For help, first see the step-by-step guides at Help for SJPermits. Use Submit a Help Ticket if you still need assistance.

Inspections

You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections. Schedule inspections at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance.

Be ready — read Inspection Success.

The Permit Card must always be on-site and available to the Inspector.
Have plans and manufacturer instructions, if any, available.
Ensure there is access to all areas of the project work; provide a ladder if one is needed.

Inspections of gas line and piping installations:

All new piping must be inspected before being covered.
After nailing sheetrock or any other concealing is complete, the applicant must perform a gas test and have it witnessed by the inspector for all portions of new gas piping.
The person doing the work is responsible for scheduling the inspection and performing the gas test.
Be ready to provide a completed Gas Line Sizing Worksheet.

Gas Line & Piping - Installation Requirements

Referenced Codes
National Electric Code (NEC) Section 210. Electrical receptacles must conform to this code.

Unions (inline couplings) - Unions are NOT permitted in a gas piping system EXCEPT:
- Unions are allowed downstream of appliance shutoff valves, meter locations, and immediately downstream of building shutoff valves.
- Use right/left couplings and nipples in lieu of unions in all other locations.
Metallic gas piping - Metallic gas piping is NOT allowed outdoors or within 6 inches of the ground. Exception: Piping with factory coating with approved materials is acceptable for burial in the ground.
Flexible gas connectors - Appliances and UPC-approved flexible gas connectors from the gas pipe to the appliances must be sized and installed according to code requirements and manufacturer specifications.
Firecaulking
- For factory-built fireplaces, firecaulk the gas pipe tightly where the pipe penetrates the exterior surface of the fire chamber
- Firecaulk at any penetrations through a garage or any fire-rated wall. The interior void must be filled with fiberglass insulation or mineral wool.
Shutoff valves - Shutoff valves are required in the gas piping system ahead of all gas appliances and must be accessible and must not leak.
- Must be in the same room and within 3 feet of the appliance, except:
  - Shutoff valves may be within 6 feet of a gas dryer or freestanding oven.
  - Shutoff valves for log lighters may be within 4 feet of a fireplace opening.
- Fireplace shutoff valves must be installed outside the firebox.
Pipe support - Pipe support is based on the size of the pipe and protects pipes from damage. See UPC Table 12-2.

A two-column table showing Size of Pipe and Pipe Support Distance

Gas Test Requirement

Referenced Codes
UPC 319, UPC 1204.3.2

The entire gas piping system shall be tested:

Prior to testing, all appliances shall be shut off at the valve or disconnected and capped.
Caution: Older wedge-type shutoff valves tend to leak and then the pressure test can cause damage. Disconnection and pre-testing is recommended.

Air pressure test: The inspection shall include an air pressure test that meets these standards:

Gas piping minimum gauge pressure: 10 pounds per square inch
Test gauge must be accurate to 1/10 of one pound
Test gauge must have a maximum pressure range of twice the test pressure applied
Test must hold 15 minutes minimum with no perceptible drop in pressure while the Inspector waits.
Welded piping and pipes holding gas at over 14 inches water column pressure shall be tested at minimum 60 psi using a gauge with 1 psi increments for at least 30 minutes.

Image of plumbing code UPC 12-1 for gas test requirements

* See manufacturer’s specifications or the Rating Plate attached to the appliance for the exact usage.

** Most common residential uses (225 CFH combined + FAU).

*** See UPC Appendix Table E-3 for multiple lot mobile home parks.

Questions?

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