From city permit to PG&E meter in Menlo Park
- City permit. Building permits go through Community Development (Building Division), using Accela Citizen Access (applications are online only).
- PG&E application. The new service, upgrade or disconnect is a separate application to PG&E. A complete package the first time is what keeps it moving.
- PG&E design and scheduling. PG&E assigns a job owner, designs the service and schedules its crews. This is where most jobs stall without follow-up.
- City final and release. PG&E will not start new gas or electric service until permits and final inspections are complete, and many cities forward the inspection result to PG&E directly. Confirm with the Building Division how your final is released to PG&E when you schedule it.
- Meter set. PG&E sets the meter and energizes once it has the release and its own work is done.
Menlo Park rules that affect PG&E work
Undergrounding
Code 16.76.020 requires underground service for new or re-serviced structures, but exempts single-family homes and duplexes outside an underground district or subdivision. For single-family projects the city recommends undergrounding at the owner's discretion.
Demolition
A demolition permit requires a PG&E letter stating the gas meter is removed, the gas line is capped at the property line, and the electric service drop is disconnected.
Panel upgrades
A main-panel upgrade triggers Menlo Park's pre-wiring and breaker-space rules (Code 12.18.090). Plan the panel size with that in mind before you apply to PG&E.
What MeterSet handles in Menlo Park
- New electric and gas service for new homes and rebuilds, from application to meter set
- Panel and service upgrades to 200A and 400A, including Express Connect where the job qualifies
- Temporary construction power
- Electric and gas disconnects and the PG&E letters your demolition permit needs
- Escalation when a PG&E date slips, measured against PG&E's own published timelines
Questions Menlo Park builders ask
Do I have to underground the service on a Menlo Park single-family rebuild?
Not usually. Code 16.76.020 exempts single-family homes outside an underground district or subdivision; the city recommends undergrounding but leaves it to the owner.
What PG&E letter does Menlo Park need for a demolition permit?
One stating the gas meter has been removed, the gas line is capped at the property line, and the electric service drop is disconnected.
Want PG&E off your desk?
MeterSet files, tracks and escalates PG&E work for Bay Area builders — new service, upgrades, temp power, disconnects. Flat fees. Weekly updates. 250+ utility engagements.