Water Heaters - Water heater gas line-code

I have a question about code compliance and general safety when relocating my water heater. I am replacing my water heater and figured it wouldnt be much more difficult to place it in a different location. It will be about 3-4 ft over from where is currently is, just on the other side of the iron gas line. The main gas line is currently on the same side of the water heater as where it connects to it. If I move the heater, the flexible gas line needs to be 4 ft. It will probably have to wrap halfway around/behind the heater and connect to the gas line, which would be on the opposite side as where it was. It would be shorter to go in front of the water heater but that doesnt sound right either. Still, I dont know if having the flexible gas line wrap behind the heater is allowed. I would appreciate any comments.

I would repipe it. It's not that hard of a job at all. Just make sure you dope the threads good and when you're finished charge the line and leak check with soap bubbles not a lighter.

I too would likely re-pipe the gas line. As far as if what you specifically describe is code is something you would have to follow up with your local building department or fire inspector as code vary when it comes to appliance hook up.

If you are in earthquake country, you probably wouldn't want the flex behind the heater. I don't know if code or an inspector would prohibit it. The max length of a flex for a WH is 48", so that may be an issue. '
It would not be that hard to hard pipe from the present location around to where it needs to be.

Thanks for all your responses, the more I look at it I think it will not be that hard to re-route the gas pipe. At first it looked like more that I can do but I see its pretty simple. The shut off is in a location that I can add pipe to the end of it without shutting off the whole house.

Is there anything wrong with placing the water heater beneath where a toilet is on the floor above? Not directly beneath it but about 12" of the hole in the floor with the drain pipe. It probably is possible someday the septic could back up and drain down from the floor above. I think if it did leak down it wont land directly on the heater but may splatter. Codes and knowledgeable plumbers may know of this situation. Thank you.