The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.
Homeowners in California say the utility company PG&E is delaying the building of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) through long and onerous permitting and inspection processes, making property owners wait as long as a year to approve new electrical panels or wiring.
According to a San Francisco Chronicle article by Jessica Roy, homeowners and developers are citing “pervasive” problems with the utility, including “weather-related delays, communication issues, inconsistent enforcement of rules from PG&E’s ‘Green Book,’ and poor management of the contractors PG&E outsources some of its work to.”
For its part, PG&E says it is working to improve its processes and that it reduced its application backlog from six months in 2023 to less than one month at the end of 2024. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, the utility recommends “having a licensed electrician or general contractor advise them on the feasibility of the planned ADU location and panel upgrades; submitting a Residential Load Request Form to ensure the existing neighborhood power grid can handle the additional demand from an ADU; and having a site plan produced by an architect or civil engineer that lays out where the new structure and utilities will go.”
FULL STORY: PG&E is delaying ADU construction in California, builders and homeowners say
Affordable Homes Act Targets ADUs, ‘Seasonal Communities’ in Massachusetts
State legislators say the new law could support 65,000 new housing units.
Berkeley Launches ADU Amnesty Program
Owners of unpermitted accessory dwelling units can bring their units up to code and obtain certificates of compliance without facing penalties.
NYC Likely to Legalize ADUs as Part of ‘City of Yes’ Reforms
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Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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