We just had our clothes dryer replaced and the installer (from Sears) stated that the gas shut off valve for the dryer was located too high. It is located a little above the top of the dryer. That's where the gas line was run for the dryer-it is about four feet off the floor and parallel to the floor. The installer said that if there was a fire in the dryer that this could be a problem. He said that the shutoff should be located lower, closer to the floor. He even referred to as "illegal." Is it a problem to leave it where it is.

You can read the code online. You have to jump through the hoops. Use the Electrical andlighting sticky and back navagate to NFPA 54, sec 5.12 Shutoff valves. You have to register to read the NFPA codes online. You can't print or copy.

I'd say leave it the way it is. I think "as close as practical" applies.

My gas dryer does have a shutoff right before the burner within the dryer accessible from the front and a shutoff further upstream. There is only a couple of PSI in the pipe.

Having two makes sense when you have to pull the dryer out for service. It's less gas to vent.

As a safety, it should be easily operable. Above the dryer fits easy operable,

If it's behind the dryer, and you have a fire and the gas valve stuck open it won't be easily operable, will it?