Downtown Sacramento commercial

The downtown commercial process is similar to the SMUD new construction process, but has a few unique differences because of City policies and the SMUD electrical systems in the area.

SMUD and the City of Sacramento are committed to helping you understand the process, requirements and electrical planning considerations when developing properties within downtown Sacramento.

For a starting point in project planning, refer to Electric service in downtown Sacramento. It addresses electrical distribution equipment placement, approximate space requirements, and other project-specific considerations when developing downtown.

The following information explains the process to connect to SMUD's electrical system along with the common requirements for projects requiring SMUD construction.

• Energy Services
• Integrated Design Solutions
• Design, construction & engineering specifications
• City of Sacramento Planning

The project's equipment placement, size, location, timing and other factors can present unique challenges. Contact SMUD or the City as early as possible and before filing your development applications. Representatives are ready to meet with you at no cost to help ensure the success of your project.

SMUD
smud.org/construction
Design & Construction Services: 916-732-5700

City of Sacramento

• Planning/Entitlement Phase:
  planning@cityofsacramento.org
  
• Building Permit Phase:
  EZPermit@cityofsacramento.org
  
• City operator:
  311 (if calling within the city limits) or 916-264-5011

After meeting with the City and SMUD, you should be familiar with the requirements before filing your application. When you're ready, submit your project plans to City Planning and get a "plan check" number before submitting your project application to SMUD.

Visit the City of Sacramento for more information about their requirements.

Submit your application, required documents and fees to SMUD. There are 3 ways to submit your application:

Submit an online application

In person
SMUD East Campus - Operations Center
4401 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA 95827

By mail
Design & Construction Services
P.O. Box 15830, MS EA-105
Sacramento, CA 95852-0830

Once we receive your application and fees, we'll assign a SMUD engineering designer to be your single point of contact for your project. This typically happens within 5 business days.

Our engineering designer will address your project's schedule and electrical requirements to help make sure we meet your needs.

In many cases, you'll need to complete civil improvements before SMUD can begin construction of your project. This could include trenching, installing conduit, duct systems, boxes, pads and possibly vaults for SMUD's electrical cable and equipment.

When civil improvements are required, your SMUD engineering designer will provide a Commitment Package that explains the requirements, process steps and your responsibilities. You'll receive your Commitment Package within 60 days, but it could take longer due to the uniqueness of some areas and systems downtown.

For vaults or building alcoves: The developer must design any vaults and/or alcoves to SMUD's specifications. To avoid project delays, start these designs and seek SMUD approval soon after receiving your Commitment Package.

Your commitment package will include information about how to schedule a pre-construction meeting with a SMUD inspector. You may also meet with a SMUD civil inspector if vault, alcove and duct systems are involved.

The SMUD inspector(s) will provide direction for installing the SMUD-required civil improvements. These improvements can begin after the pre-construction meeting, with City approval.

Your engineering designer will tell you what documents you'll need to complete and/or return before SMUD can begin construction of your project.

Examples may include:

• SMUD's conveyance agreement
• Copies of your property grant deed or building permits
• Grant easement

To avoid project delays, please return all required documents as soon as possible.

Your SMUD engineering designer will complete the final job design and determine the cost of the work.

The final job design will be used by SMUD construction crews to complete our part of the job.

When required, you'll receive a project quote and contract letter from SMUD. It'll include instructions for approving the contract and making payment.

Your engineering designer will email you when the job is progressing to construction once the following conditions are met:

• We received your approved contract letter (when required).
• We received any required fees.
• All other holds have been removed from the project.

Our construction team will install SMUD's electric facilities and equipment specified in the final job design. This includes all equipment except the meter(s), which will be installed after the panel is inspected by the City.

You'll need to contact the City and arrange for your electrical panel inspection. The City typically notifies SMUD one business day after they approve the work.

Within 7 business days of the meter panel inspection approval, a SMUD service crew and/or meter technician will:

• Install the new meter(s).
• Connect the customer installed service wire.
• Energize your service once we receive inspection approval from the City.