Los Gatos homeowners can enhance their properties by transitioning from visible overhead utility lines to modern underground electrical systems. This smart upgrade boosts curb appeal, increases property valuations and delivers more reliable power delivery.
TrenchFree also specializes in underground internet and communication installation throughout Los Gatos. Fiber optic service, cable TV, telephone connections and broadband lines can be routed underground—freeing your property from unsightly cables connecting to utility poles.
Standard excavation methods often damage cherished landscaping and come with substantial costs. Our trenchless installation process offers a landscape-friendly alternative that controls expenses. Every project begins with a free estimate, ensuring you understand your investment upfront.
Buried wiring systems offer today’s most efficient, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing utility solution. Underground installation protects your electrical and communication infrastructure from storm damage, animal interference, and gradual weathering that affects exposed cables.
PG&E Coordination—and Town Building Permits and Inspections
Electric service in Los Gatos is provided by PG&E Electric. Installing or replacing underground electrical conduit typically requires an electrical permit for conduit/panel-related work (and an encroachment permit if any work is in the public right-of-way).
Permits and inspections are handled through the Los Gatos Building/Permit Center. You can pull your own permit, or TrenchFree can handle the entire process—inspection, design, permitting, execution, inspections, and sign-off.
Town of Los Gatos Utility Undergrounding Ordinance
Los Gatos has a forward-thinking ordinance that requires residents to underground their utilities, including electrical service, when undertaking new construction or renovations.
Los Gatos Town Code Section 27.50.015(b) requires an applicant to install “all new, relocated, or temporarily removed utility services, including telephone, electric power, cable television and all other communications lines, underground.”
“The Town of Los Gatos does not approve or imply approval for final alignment or design of these facilities.” according to the town’s handout, Town of Los Gatos Undergrounding Requirements.
| Type of Construction | Undergrounding required? | |
| Single-family residential: addition or remodel resulting in an increase in gross floor area less than 50% of the existing gross floor area, where new lines ARE NOT installed or relocated | NO | |
| Single-family residential: addition or remodel resulting in an increase in gross floor area less than 50% of the existing gross floor area, where new lines ARE installed or existingoverhead utility services are extended in length | YES | |
| Single-family residential: addition or remodel resulting in an increase in gross floor area greater than 50% of the existing gross floor area | YES | |
| Single-family residential: construction of a new residence | YES | |
| Multi-family residential: construction of a new development (includes frontage lines and poles) | YES | |
| Subdivision (includes frontage lines and poles) | YES | |
| Non-residential development (includes frontage lines and poles) | YES | |
For additional information, please refer to the applicable sections and excerpts from the Los Gatos Town Code as provided below:
Sec. 27.50.015. – New extensions of utility facilities.
- All new extensions of existing utility distribution facilities, including but not limited to electric, communication and cable television lines, hereafter constructed or installed shall be underground.
- When any building or structure is built, all electric and communication service lines to it shall be underground. When in the course of remodeling any existing building or structure new electric or communication service lines are installed, they shall be underground.
When underground installation is required, the owner, builder, remodeler or lessee of the premises involved shall make all necessary arrangements with the utility companies in compliance with their rules as approved by the State’s Public Utilities Commission. (Code 1968, § 32-25)
