New To Palo Alto? Utilities, Permits And Services Setup

Just moved to Palo Alto or planning your first week here? Getting utilities and services lined up can feel like a maze when you’re juggling movers, contractors, and a new routine. You want power, water, internet, trash, and any permits handled without delays or surprises. This guide walks you through what’s provided by the City, what’s handled by private providers, how to start service, when permits are needed, and what timeline to expect so you can settle in smoothly. Let’s dive in.

Who provides what in Palo Alto

Inside Palo Alto city limits, the City of Palo Alto Utilities provides electric service, water, and wastewater service. The City also manages your utility billing and customer support. You’ll set up and manage these accounts through the City’s official utilities pages.

Natural gas is provided by PG&E. If your home uses gas, you will start or transfer that service directly with PG&E in addition to your City accounts.

Solid waste, recycling, and compost are provided by a franchised hauler under City arrangement. Service levels and cart sizes are coordinated through the City’s solid waste and recycling pages. Internet and phone are provided by private ISPs such as Comcast/Xfinity and AT&T.

Start or transfer City utilities

What you need

Have your service address, a government photo ID, and proof of ownership or tenancy ready. Proof can be a deed, title, or a lease agreement. You may also be asked for contact details and a tax ID or Social Security number for credit verification.

How to start service

• Confirm your property is inside the City utility service area.
• Submit a start or transfer request online or by phone through the City utilities customer portal.
• Choose your start date and confirm whether service is active, needs a meter reading, or requires reconnection.
• Be ready to pay any one-time connection fees or a refundable deposit if required.
• Set up your online account, autopay, and paperless billing.

For electricity, request meter activation or a reading confirmation. For water, ask where the main shutoff is located at the property so you can operate it in an emergency.

Timelines and deposits

Account activation for billing typically happens within 1 to 3 business days when no field work is needed. If your meter needs a physical reconnection, a panel inspection, or any on-site work, expect additional lead time and an appointment. Municipal utilities often require a refundable deposit if credit cannot be verified. Deposits are commonly returned after a period of on-time payments or applied when you close the account.

Natural gas with PG&E

If your home uses gas, start or transfer service directly with PG&E. Have your address, move-in date, photo ID, and lease or closing documents ready. In some cases, PG&E may need a technician visit to relight pilots or inspect equipment, so schedule early to avoid delays. Set up online billing and alerts through PG&E for outage notices and usage information.

Trash, recycling, and compost

Your solid waste services are provided by a franchised hauler arranged by the City. You will select cart sizes for trash, recycling, and compost and verify your first pickup date. If you’re moving into new construction or a vacant home, confirm cart delivery timing so you have service the week you arrive.

Rates typically vary by container size and pickup frequency. The City’s solid waste and recycling pages publish current rates and service options. If you’re remodeling, ask about debris boxes and construction recycling requirements.

Internet and phone

Residential internet and phone service are provided by private carriers. Most households choose service from Comcast/Xfinity or AT&T, with other providers in some areas. If you need fast setup, schedule installation as soon as you have your move-in date. If you’re working from home, consider a temporary hotspot as backup until your primary connection is live.

Permits for common projects

Electrical and EV chargers

Most EV charger installations require an electrical permit. If your home’s electrical service needs an upgrade, your licensed electrician will submit permit applications and coordinate inspections with the City. The utility may need to approve and energize upgrades after final inspection. Plan ahead if transformer or conductor changes are required.

Solar and batteries

Solar PV and battery systems require building and electrical permits. You will also complete a utility interconnection agreement with the City’s municipal utility. The local utility sets the rules for credits or net energy accounting, so your installer will follow the City’s current interconnection policy.

Water and irrigation

Work on water service laterals, meter changes, or new irrigation with backflow devices typically requires plumbing permits. If the work touches the public right-of-way, you will need an encroachment permit from Public Works. Backflow prevention devices usually require testing and registration with the City.

Sewer and private laterals

Sewer connection work or private lateral repairs typically require plumbing permits and may involve a City inspection depending on scope. Some California cities require private sewer lateral inspections at time of sale. Check current City requirements before starting work to avoid delays.

Work in the right-of-way

Driveway replacement, curb or sidewalk changes, and utility trenching in streets usually require an encroachment permit. Coordinate with Public Works early to confirm standards and timelines.

How permits and inspections work

Where to apply

Use the City’s online permit portal found on the Building Division or Development Services pages. There you’ll find application instructions, submittal checklists, and fee schedules. Simple like-for-like replacements may qualify for streamlined permits. Larger remodels and new installations require full plans and plan review.

Who can pull permits

Hire a licensed contractor appropriate to the trade. Owner-builders can apply themselves but should confirm additional requirements. Contractors typically handle permit applications and schedule inspections.

Inspection timelines

After permits are issued, inspections are booked online or by phone. You must pass inspections before equipment can be connected or energized. Plan review timelines vary by scope and season, ranging from several business days to several weeks in busy periods. Schedule early if you have critical dates.

Costs and how to estimate

The most accurate numbers come from the City’s current rate schedules and fee tables. Rates and fees change regularly, so always verify on the City website before budgeting. Avoid relying on outdated figures or neighbors’ bills since usage, meter sizes, and tiers vary.

Here’s a simple way to estimate:

• Electric: estimate your monthly kWh usage, multiply by the City’s published per-kWh rates, then add the fixed monthly customer charge. Consider seasonal use if you run AC or have an EV.
• Water: estimate household gallons used and apply the tiered rate structure shown on the City’s water rates page. Add the fixed meter charge and any wastewater charges.
• Trash, recycling, compost: select your cart sizes and use the City’s rate table for monthly pricing.
• Permit and connection fees: review the current City fee schedule for permit application fees, plan review, inspections, and any encroachment charges.

Tip: Many municipalities publish sample bills or calculators. If available on the City website, use those tools to check your assumptions.

Move-in checklist

• Confirm your address is within the City utility service area.
• Gather ID and proof of ownership or lease for account setup.
• Start or transfer electric and water through the City utilities portal.
• Contact PG&E for natural gas if your home uses gas.
• Schedule internet installation with your chosen ISP.
• Order trash, recycling, and compost carts and confirm pickup day.
• If planning upgrades, engage licensed contractors and confirm who pulls permits.
• Read your meters at move-in for a clean starting reference on your first bill.
• Set up autopay, outage alerts, and email or text notifications.

Safety and orientation

• Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff if present.
• Learn where meters are located for electric, water, and gas.
• Keep emergency contacts for the City utility and PG&E handy.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Key City portals to bookmark

• Utilities and billing: start, stop, transfer service; online account setup; outage reporting.
• Building and permits: online permit portal, plan submittal checklists, and fee schedules.
• Public Works and encroachment: right-of-way permits for driveway, curb, sidewalk, and utility trenching.
• Solid waste and recycling: franchised hauler details, cart options, and current rates.

Search for these pages on the City of Palo Alto website to ensure you have the most current links, contacts, and fee tables.

What to expect on timing

Most billing-only activations can be completed in 1 to 3 business days. Field work such as meter reconnection, service upgrades, or right-of-way work requires more lead time and coordination. Plan ahead for projects that need plan review and inspections, and book internet and trash service well before your move date to avoid gaps.

Get local help

If you’re relocating or planning a remodel soon after closing, a local advisor can help you prioritize steps, connect you with vetted contractors, and keep your timeline on track. For high-touch guidance before and after move-in, connect with Unknown Company to streamline your transition and plan your next steps with confidence.

FAQs

How long does utility activation take in Palo Alto?

• Most billing activations complete in 1 to 3 business days. Field work like meter reconnection or inspections can take longer and may require appointments.

Who provides natural gas service in Palo Alto?

• PG&E provides natural gas service, separate from the City’s electric, water, and wastewater services.

Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Palo Alto?

• Yes. Most EV charger installations require an electrical permit. If a service capacity upgrade is needed, expect additional permits and utility coordination.

How do I estimate my electric and water bills in Palo Alto?

• Multiply your estimated usage by the City’s published unit rates and add fixed monthly charges. Use any sample bill or calculator provided on the City’s rate pages if available.

Where do I report a power or water outage in Palo Alto?

• Report electric or water emergencies through the City utility’s outage and emergency contacts listed on the City website. For gas emergencies, contact PG&E directly.