Every ADU in California needs water, sewer, electrical, gas (or all-electric infrastructure) and data. Each connection has its own permitting agency, its own fee schedule and its own surprises. Cyrus Poudat scopes every utility connection during feasibility, not during construction, because mid-project utility surprises are the most common cause of California ADU budget blowouts.
Separate meters: optional
State law forbids California cities from forcing separate water or sewer meters on ADUs. Cyrus Poudat still recommends a separate electrical meter on California rentals so tenants pay their own bill — it is the single biggest landlord-tenant friction reducer on a small property.
Sewer capacity fees
For ADUs under 750 sq ft, California waives connection and capacity fees entirely. Above that threshold, fees are proportional and can run $5K–$25K depending on the agency. Cyrus Poudat sizes many California ADUs to 749 sq ft for this reason alone — the rentable square footage delta does not justify the fee jump.
Electrical service upsizing
A 100-amp main panel often will not carry an all-electric ADU with a heat pump, induction cooktop and EV charger. Cyrus Poudat budgets $4K–$12K for California panel upgrades and coordinates the cut-over with the utility 8–12 weeks ahead of need.
Sewer lateral inspections
Many California cities trigger a sewer lateral inspection when an ADU permit is pulled. Cyrus Poudat scopes the line up front so clients are not blindsided by a $15K replacement mid-project. The camera inspection costs $400 and is the best money any California ADU owner spends.
Water service size
A 3/4" service line that fed a single house may not handle the ADU's added load. Cyrus Poudat checks static and residual pressure during feasibility — upgrading from 3/4" to 1" service is a $6K–$15K California project that nobody wants to discover during framing.
Gas vs all-electric
Cyrus Poudat designs almost every new California ADU all-electric. Skipping the gas line saves $4K–$10K in trenching and meter fees, and the operating cost difference is small once heat pumps are in the equation.
Stub-outs and trenching
Cyrus Poudat coordinates a single trench for water, sewer, electrical and data on California detached ADUs. Doing them separately is twice the labor and twice the landscape repair cost.