1- Apply for and obtain City of Oakland permit for Electrical or Gas Service.
2- Contact PGE to obtain Confirmation of Discussion (COD). Permit Inspections cannot inspect Electrical Meters, if PGE COD is not on-site. PGE COD is not required for Gas Utility Release.
3- Schedule Inspections (See below for important inspection related information):
- Confirmation of Discussion required to be on site
- AIC letter for services over 250AMPS or 3 or more units.
- Working clearances as per California Electrical Code are required. Minimum 30” wide, 36” in front of service dead-front, and from grade to 6 ½ feet must be clear. Clearances are measured to assumed property lines (even if no fence) and other obstructions, including gas meters.
- AFCI breakers are required in the City of Oakland for: panel change outs/alterations even if panel is in the same location. OMC 15.04.3.3005
- Service equipment in a “dog-house” is allowed to be maintained and repaired, but not altered. Adding a circuit or wiring is considered an alteration.
- Subpanels/Fuse boxes in clothes closets or other locations with easily ignitable materials can be maintained and repaired, but not altered. Adding a circuit or wiring is considered an alteration.
- Are all circuit breakers being used must be compatible with the panel(s) in which they are being installed.
Plan ahead before disconnecting electrical power! Same-day utility release inspections are not possible.
Does the proposed location meet all of the California Electrical Code requirements as well as PG&E requirements?
- If not sure, once permit is issued an informational inspection may be scheduled PRIOR to commencing work and disconnecting power.
4- If the inspection passes, the City of Oakland will place a Green Tag on the Electrical Panel (no tag needed for Gas Service) and will release the meter to PGE by next day at Noon.
5- Call PGE to have the utility connected by them.
If installing, modifying, or removing an Electrical or Gas Service projects must contact PG&E and follow their requirements to obtain service. Please note that project must contact PG&E to obtain a Confirmation of Discussion (COD) for electrical meter inspection in the City of Oakland. Permit Inspections will not inspect without a Confirmation of Discussion issued by PG&E being on-site.
Same-Day utility release inspections are not possible. Please ensure that project schedules PGE and City of Oakland inspection accordingly. Work must be completed and ready to be energized for City of Oakland to release an electrical meter.
Completed work must be ready for inspection no later than 3PM.