Your ADU Needs Its Own Electrical Service. We Install It Right the First Time.

Yes — in virtually all cases an ADU requires a dedicated sub-panel. The most common approach is a sub-panel fed from the main home's panel, sized at 100–200A and installed in or near the ADU. This works for attached ADUs, garage conversions, and detached ADUs within about 100 feet of the main panel, provided the main panel has sufficient capacity to support both structures. A load calculation is always required to confirm this. For larger ADUs, ADUs more than 100–150 feet from the main panel, or when independent tenant billing is desired, a fully separate service with its own PG&E meter and main disconnect may be required. Cali Rollin Electric performs the load calculation during the free estimate to determine the right approach for your specific project.

No — California state law specifically prohibits local agencies from requiring a separate meter for ADUs under Government Code Section 65852.2. This was designed to reduce the financial barrier to ADU construction. In practice you have three options: a shared meter where the ADU runs off the main home's existing meter at no additional infrastructure cost, a sub-meter that tracks ADU usage privately for cost-splitting between owner and tenant, or a fully separate PG&E meter for independent utility billing. For rental ADUs the economics usually favor a separate meter — the upfront cost typically pays back in three to five years when the tenant pays their own utilities. Cali Rollin Electric navigates PG&E metering questions directly on your behalf.

Yes — and the cost argument is overwhelming. Adding EV rough-in during the ADU build costs roughly $500–$1,200 at Cali Rollin Electric — just the conduit stub, pull wire, and dedicated circuit reservation in the sub-panel. Adding a Level 2 charger later as a standalone project once walls are closed costs significantly more. Under the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, new ADUs configured with attached private garages must be built EV-ready with conduit and panel capacity reserved for a future 240V EV charging circuit. Even when not strictly required, the ADU construction window is the cheapest possible moment to future-proof the parking space. Every ADU project Cali Rollin Electric handles includes this conversation before the rough-in inspection is scheduled.

ADU permitting in San Jose is a multi-permit process coordinated through the San José Development Services Permit Center at SJPermits.org. The electrical permit for all ADU electrical work — sub-panel, wiring, circuits, and Title 24 compliance — is submitted as part of a larger ADU building permit package alongside building, plumbing, and mechanical permits under the 2nd Unit Added application type. Key San Jose requirements include an ADU Property Owner Declaration, an Address Assignment Request, a water and fire flow letter from the water company, and Title 24 energy compliance documentation using the 2025 California Building Standards Code. Plan submittal to permit approval typically takes two to three months. Cali Rollin Electric handles the electrical permit scope within this package and works directly with the general contractor and San Jose Building Division throughout the project.

The entire electrical scope — from load calculation and permit drawings through final inspection sign-off. For ADU projects Cali Rollin Electric handles load calculation for the main home and ADU, electrical plan drawings for the permit package, trenching coordination for underground conduit to detached ADUs, sub-panel selection and installation, all branch circuit rough-in wiring, Title 24 and ESS-ready provisions, AFCI and GFCI protection throughout, EV charger rough-in at the parking location, rough-in and final inspection coordination, trim-out and panel labeling, and PG&E meter application coordination if a separate meter is desired. You do not need to manage separate electrical and panel contractors or translate between trades — Cali Rollin Electric works directly with your GC, ADU designer, and the San Jose Building Division.