Electrical for Multifamily Fire Rebuilds in Altadena

Rebuilding a duplex, fourplex or apartment building after the Eaton Fire is a bigger electrical job than a single-family home. There are multiple meters, a shared “house” panel, common-area and exterior lighting, and current energy and EV rules that the original building never had to meet. This guide explains the electrical scope so owners and general contractors can plan it early.

Who Does What

On a multifamily rebuild the general contractor runs the project, and the electrical contractor designs and installs the electrical system within it. In Altadena, permits come from LA County Public Works Building & Safety, and power comes from Southern California Edison. Electrical work in multifamily buildings must be done by a licensed contractor.

The Electrical Scope

Temporary power: a temporary power pole for construction, approved by SCE and inspected by the County.
Service and meter bank: the main service sized for every unit plus common loads, with a meter for each unit and one for the house panel. SCE has its own requirements for meter location and service equipment, so engage them early.
Unit panels: each unit gets its own panel, sized from a load calculation that includes heating, cooling, cooking and any EV charging.
House panel: common-area lighting, laundry rooms, gates, irrigation, pool equipment and shared EV chargers.
Life-safety systems: hardwired, interconnected smoke and CO alarms in every unit, plus emergency and exit lighting where required.
Exterior lighting: parking, paths and entries, with controls to meet Title 24.

Rules the Original Building Didn’t Face

EV-ready parking: California’s green building code (CALGreen) requires a share of new multifamily parking spaces to be EV-capable or EV-ready. Conduit, panel space and capacity have to be designed in.
Title 24 energy code: high-efficacy lighting and controls, and for new low-rise multifamily, solar and battery-ready requirements may apply.
Surge protection is required on new dwelling services.
All-electric design choices (heat pumps, induction) increase service size and need to be decided before the service is ordered.

Plan Early: The Service Size Decision

The biggest cost and schedule risk is the service. Sizing it after the design is final, coordinating with SCE on location and equipment, and leaving room for future EV charging all need to happen before the foundation is poured. Changing service size later can mean new equipment and a new utility application.

Typical Sequence

Electrical design and load calculations with the architect and GC
SCE service application and temporary power
County permit
Underground conduit and rough-in, unit by unit
Inspections before cover
Service equipment, meters and SCE release
Finish, life-safety testing and final

Pricing: A standard service call fee applies. We quote it on the phone before we dispatch and credit it toward the work if you go ahead. You get a firm price once we have assessed the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fee waivers apply to multifamily rebuilds?

LA County’s Eaton Fire fee waivers apply to qualifying owner-occupied rebuilds; eligibility rules are set by the County. Check LA County Recovery for your property.

Does each unit need its own meter?

Typically yes, plus a house meter for common loads. SCE’s requirements determine the meter arrangement.

Do we have to include EV charging?

CALGreen requires new multifamily projects to provide a share of EV-capable or EV-ready parking. Installing chargers can be phased, but the infrastructure must be planned.

When should the electrician be involved?

At design, before the SCE application and before the foundation.

Call (626) 768-1402 or request service online. Office hours are Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm.