You can't use a regular FHA for anything that needs even minor repairs for safety and health issues, whether you have financing lined up, or even cash to do the repairs.

I have conflicting info and would love any insight from people familiar with LA Building & Safety, zoning, etc. thanks...

@Jeffrey McKee Also...be patient. 

Doesn't take much for them to trigger this, since this is a serious safety issue.  

Just be consistent and patient with the letters.

With a ductwork system it's a little different than say an eletrical that would need upgraded due to safety hazard.

My management contract states "An emergency is defined as any event or occurrence that relates to the health, welfare or safety of the Tenants or the general public or is necessary to preserve the Property from material damage."  

My ENT doc who is retiring after 35 years of surgery but will still run his practice to maintain existing patients and teach new doctors doesn't want to deal with insurance companies anymore.

For safety reasons, I have replaced hallway can lights with an LED conversion kit.

For your water shutoff not sure if you could put a cage around it that is difficult for a child to remove but still ok for an adult in an emergency.You can have rules for safety  that is not against fair housing and unattended children under a certain age by a pool or in a parking lot could be one of them......