From city permit to PG&E meter in San Mateo
- City permit. Building permits go through Community Development (Building Division), using Customer Self-Service (CSS).
- 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. San Mateo's conditions of approval tie final sign-off to the release of utilities. 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.
- Meter set. PG&E sets the meter and energizes once it has the release and its own work is done.
San Mateo rules that affect PG&E work
Undergrounding
The city's standard conditions of approval require all new and upgraded utility service to be underground (based on SMMC 26.32.020). If you are upgrading a service, assume the new one goes underground.
Demolition
Demolitions follow SMMC 23.06.100 and require PCB screening. Ask the Building Division what proof of PG&E disconnection it needs with your application.
Energy code
The gas ban was suspended in early 2024. Ordinance 2025-01, effective February 20, 2025, requires new single-family homes to beat the state energy standard by 9 points. Ordinance 2026-04 adds remodel and electric-readiness rules and is pending state approval.
What MeterSet handles in San Mateo
- 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 San Mateo builders ask
Does an upgraded service in San Mateo have to go underground?
Typically yes. The city's conditions of approval require all new and upgraded utility service to be underground.
Can a new San Mateo home have gas?
The gas ban was suspended in early 2024, but new single-family homes must beat the state energy standard by 9 points under Ordinance 2025-01, which affects how you size the electric service.
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.