Utility Meters

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New, replacement, or relocated utility meters require Electrical or Plumbing Permits. Meters that are at a street-facing location also require Zoning Review.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started?

First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

What to Do

Permit Requirements

When Is a Permit Required?

Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits are required on all utility meter projects. Zoning Review is also required to relocate a utility meter at or to a street-facing location. Meters will NOT be allowed for unpermitted units or structures.

Meter replacement at a side or rear yard is preferred. However, if it must be located at a street-facing location and may be visible from the public right-of-way, it must be screened (you may propose a large potted plant in front of it, for example). New utility meter installations may also require a Creek Protection Permit.(PDF, 296KB)

You may view the Planning Code regulations online under OMC 17.124.045.

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

  1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
  2. Owners of a building or their legal representative.

 

How to Apply

Step 1.Step One: Zoning Review (Street-Facing Meters)

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload your all site photos, a site plan, method of screening, elevations and/or a cut sheet for vendor
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Planning Bureau

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

For electrical meters:

For gas meters:

Step 3.Step Three: Permits Issued

Your Electrical or Plumbing permits will be automatically issued once you've submitted your application and paid your fees.

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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