California law requires new and replacement water heaters to be braced, anchored or strapped against earthquake movement. Fresno and Clovis both treat water heater work as permitted work, so expect a permit and an inspection.
California Health and Safety Code section 19211 says all new and replacement water heaters, and all existing residential water heaters, must be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement from earthquake motion. At a minimum they must be secured under the California Plumbing Code or any local changes to it.
The section defines a water heater as a standard unit up to 120 gallons that has a readily available preengineered strapping kit. It also requires a seller of real property to certify in writing that the strapping requirement has been met.
The Clovis building plan check list cites the 2025 California Plumbing Code, section 507.2. It says the water heater must be strapped at the upper and lower one-third of the tank, with at least 4 inches kept between the strap and the heater controls.
The City of Fresno's Building and Safety booklet lists Plumbing-Water Heater as an example of a Level 1 project, the simplest tier. The booklet gives a completeness review of 2 to 3 business days and a review timeline of up to 3 business days for Level 1 projects.
The Building and Safety page also lists same-day express permits for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work as an in-person service. Ask the city which path applies to your job.
The City of Clovis Building Division FAQ says a permit fee and special permit is required for several kinds of residential work, and it names hot water heater among them.
The Clovis plan check list, which is written for new construction plans, also asks for the garage rule. In a garage, heating elements, switches, burners and burner-ignition devices must be at least 18 inches above the floor under 2025 California Plumbing Code section 507.13. The list refers to an approved platform for this.
A permit lets the city confirm that the new heater meets current code, including strapping. The plumber normally pulls the permit and schedules the inspection, so ask who is responsible before you sign a quote.
We could not confirm the current permit fee, or a step by step list of what each city inspector checks on a replacement, so we do not state one. Ask your plumber or the building office for current fees and inspection steps.
Call a licensed plumber for any replacement. Strapping, venting and gas or electrical connections are code items that the permit inspection looks at.
Yes. Health and Safety Code section 19211 requires new, replacement and existing residential water heaters to be braced, anchored or strapped.
The City of Fresno lists Plumbing-Water Heater work as a Level 1 permitted project in its Building and Safety booklet.
The City of Clovis Building FAQ names hot water heater among residential work that requires a permit and fee.
The Clovis plan check list, citing the 2025 California Plumbing Code, says the tank must be strapped at the upper and lower one-third, with 4 inches kept from the controls.
Central Valley Water Heater is a free referral service, not a contractor. Request a free quote from a local plumber.