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Pre-Demolition Utility Disconnect Checklist for San Diego
No excavator can safely touch a building until every live utility line is verified dead and capped. Use this San Diego checklist early—utility scheduling is the #1 controllable cause of teardown delays.
1. SDG&E Natural Gas & Electric Service Removal
Request a formal Demolition Service Disconnect (not just a billing account stop) with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). SDG&E crews physically pull the electric meter, drop overhead service wires or isolate underground conduit, cut/cap the gas service line, and issue a written clearance letter required by the city.
2. Water Service & Sewer Lateral Capping
Coordinate with the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department (or your local water district such as Helix, Padre Dam, Olivenhain, or Sweetwater) to lock/remove the water meter. The sanitary sewer lateral must be excavated, plugged watertight at the property line, monumented, and inspected before backfill.
3. Telecom, Fiber, Solar, Pool & Propane Systems
Disconnect coax cable, fiber-optic drops, and phone lines; de-energize rooftop solar PV panels and battery storage safely; pump and abandon private septic tanks under County DEH permit if off-sewer; and have leased rural propane tanks picked up by the supplier.
4. Mandatory 811 DigAlert Ticket Before Breaking Ground
At least two full working days (excluding weekends and holidays) before slab or footing excavation, an active Underground Service Alert (811) ticket must mark all public utility corridors fronting the property.
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Utility Disconnect Checklist — Quick Answers
Does your crew assist with the steps covered in this guide?
Yes. During our free San Diego site visit, we walk through permits, utility shut-offs, timeline milestones, and site-specific cost factors with you.
What happens before and after active demolition day?
Before teardown, utilities are capped, permits and testing are cleared, and dust fencing goes up; after teardown, debris is sorted for C&D recycling and your lot is graded clean.
How do I get an exact written price for my property?
Call (619) 555-0199 or submit the short form on this page to book a free on-site walkthrough anywhere in San Diego County.
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Tell us about your project. We will visit your site and send a clear written price. Use the form or call the number at the top of this page.