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
Homeowners in some neighborhoods could soon be able to build accessory dwelling units in their backyards, garages, or basements.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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