Utility company coordination is one of the most overlooked steps in construction — and one of the most common causes of delay. RB Master Builders provides PG&E consulting and utility coordination so electric panel upgrades, service applications, and connection timelines are lined up early for ADUs, additions, custom homes, and related builds.
Our Process
Review
We assess the project type, existing service, and likely PG&E requirements.
Plan
We map utility steps against planning, building, and construction milestones.
Coordinate
We help line up applications, upgrades, and follow-ups before they stall the job.
Align
Utility work stays sequenced with framing, inspections, and final connection needs.
Project Types & Permitting Guide
Project Types for PG&E Consulting
Relevant project types for pg&e consulting — including permitting timelines, team requirements, and utilities. Requirements vary by municipality and scope.
ADU
Detached, attached, or garage conversion.
Permitting Timeline
- Planning department
- Runs concurrently with building
- Building department
- 4–6 weeks
- PG&E Permitting
- 3 weeks – 6 months
- Public Hearings
- Not required
Fees
- School Fees
- Depends on municipality — below 500–750 sqft it doesn't apply; above that, scales linearly
Project Team
- Architect required
- Yes
- Structural Engineer
- Yes
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Yes for attached/detached ADUs; garage conversions typically don't require
- Topographic survey
- Yes if new ADU is close to setbacks (4ft for most municipalities)
- Civil engineer
- Unlikely
- Landscape Architect
- Unlikely
- Arborist
- If new construction is near any major trees
- Special Inspection
- Yes, if pouring new foundation
Utilities
- Fire sprinklers
- Only if main house is sprinklered
- PG&E: Electric Panel
- Very likely, unless house already has at least a 200 amp panel
- Water Meter Upgrade
- Possible, more likely if fire sprinklers required
- Sewer upgrade
- Likely if existing sewer lateral is 3" or less
Detached, attached, or garage conversion.
Permitting Timeline
- Planning department
- Runs concurrently with building
- Building department
- 4–6 weeks
- PG&E Permitting
- 3 weeks – 6 months
- Public Hearings
- Not required
Fees
- School Fees
- Depends on municipality — below 500–750 sqft it doesn't apply; above that, scales linearly
Project Team
- Architect required
- Yes
- Structural Engineer
- Yes
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Yes for attached/detached ADUs; garage conversions typically don't require
- Topographic survey
- Yes if new ADU is close to setbacks (4ft for most municipalities)
- Civil engineer
- Unlikely
- Landscape Architect
- Unlikely
- Arborist
- If new construction is near any major trees
- Special Inspection
- Yes, if pouring new foundation
Utilities
- Fire sprinklers
- Only if main house is sprinklered
- PG&E: Electric Panel
- Very likely, unless house already has at least a 200 amp panel
- Water Meter Upgrade
- Possible, more likely if fire sprinklers required
- Sewer upgrade
- Likely if existing sewer lateral is 3" or less
Timelines are estimates based on typical Bay Area / California permitting norms and vary by city, lot conditions, and project scope.