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Vol. I ·California ADU Desk ·Licensed · Bonded · Insured ·CSLB #1098432 ·BBB A+ Accredited ·120+ ADUs Delivered ·Starting $250K ·10–16% ROI ·Los Angeles ·Bay Area ·Vol. I ·California ADU Desk ·Licensed · Bonded · Insured ·CSLB #1098432 ·BBB A+ Accredited ·120+ ADUs Delivered ·Starting $250K ·10–16% ROI ·Los Angeles ·Bay Area ·
GoldenStateADU

Process · 8 min read · May 13, 2026 · 390 words

LADWP, SoCalGas and your ADU: the utility connection map

Power, water, and gas hookups account for $8K–$35K of an ADU budget and 4–14 weeks of schedule. A walkthrough of the actual approval paths in 2026.

Key takeaways

  • Day 0: Submit ADU plans to LADBS.
  • Day 0: Submit panel upgrade application to LADWP if required.
  • Day 14: Order long-lead electrical equipment (200A panel, transformer if applicable).

Utility connections are the part of an ADU schedule least under your contractor's control. Each agency — LADWP for power and water, SoCalGas for gas — operates on its own queue, and submitting paperwork in the wrong order routinely adds six weeks to a project.

Power: the panel question

Most pre-1985 LA homes have a 100A or 125A service panel. A new ADU with a heat pump, heat pump water heater, induction range, and EV charger draws enough load to require a 200A upgrade on the primary service. LADWP runs the panel upgrade as a separate workflow from the ADU permit; submit it the day plans go to LADBS, not at framing.

Separate vs shared meter

A separate meter for the ADU is optional. Pros: clean tenant billing, no RUBS allocation hassle. Cons: $4K–$10K more for the meter pedestal and trenching, plus a separate LADWP service application. Most LA homeowners share the primary meter and use a sub-meter for tenant billing.

Water and sewer capacity

The water main into your property is typically 3/4" or 1". Adding an ADU with one full bath usually fits within existing capacity. Two-bath ADUs or properties with a swimming pool may need a 1.5" upgrade. Sewer lateral capacity is verified via a LADWP sewer capacity letter, which the plumbing engineer requests before plan check.

Gas: opt out or run it

All-electric ADUs (heat pump everything) skip SoCalGas entirely — saving 4–8 weeks of schedule and $2K–$6K in line extensions. Per CPUC Decision 20-08-018, gas line extensions are no longer subsidized at the customer-class allowance rate, which has shifted the math heavily toward all-electric.

Sequencing that actually works

  1. Day 0: Submit ADU plans to LADBS.
  2. Day 0: Submit panel upgrade application to LADWP if required.
  3. Day 14: Order long-lead electrical equipment (200A panel, transformer if applicable).
  4. At rough-in: schedule LADWP meter set; lead time is typically 4–8 weeks.
  5. At final: sewer lateral inspection, panel meter swap, certificate of occupancy.

Sources

  1. LADWP Customer Services · Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
  2. SoCalGas Builder Services · Southern California Gas Company
  3. CPUC Decision 20-08-018 (Gas Line Extensions) · California Public Utilities Commission
  4. California Public Utilities Commission · CPUC

FAQ · Process

Common questions on process

The questions readers send us most after this guide.

  1. How long does an ADU project take in Los Angeles?
    Most detached ADUs run 9–13 months from contract to certificate of occupancy. Garage conversions are typically 4–6 months. Permitting alone is usually 60–120 days at LADBS depending on whether we use a pre-approved standard plan or a custom design that needs full plan check.
  2. Can I move faster with a pre-approved standard plan?
    Yes — meaningfully. LADBS Standard Plan ADUs skip the design review portion of plan check and often clear permitting in 30–60 days instead of 90–120. We carry a curated library of standard plans from 480 to 1,200 sq ft.
  3. What slows projects down most often?
    Three things, in order: (1) utility upgrades — LADWP service upgrades can add 8–14 weeks; (2) sewer capacity studies in older neighborhoods; (3) owner-driven design changes after permit submittal. We flag all three at the feasibility call.
  4. What is the typical week-by-week breakdown?
    Weeks 1–3: feasibility, survey, schematic design. Weeks 4–8: construction documents and Title 24. Weeks 9–20: plan check at LADBS or your local department. Weeks 21–24: site mobilization and foundation. Weeks 25–40: framing, MEP rough-in, drywall, finishes, and inspections. Final two weeks are punch list and closeout.
  5. Are you licensed and insured?
    Yes — CSLB #1098432, fully bonded, $2M general liability, and workers' comp on every site. BBB A+ accredited, member of NAHB and the LA chapter of AIA.

Sources & further reading

  • California Government Code §65852.2 — statewide ADU framework (ministerial review, 60-day clock).
  • LADBS — Accessory Dwelling Unit information bulletins and current permit fee schedule.
  • HCD — California Department of Housing & Community Development, ADU handbook (2024 update).
  • Internal data: 120++ ADU projects delivered across Los Angeles County, 2018–2025.

More in Process

Keep reading across the field guide