City/water utilities charging $90k for my project!

[Andrew B.]

Hello everyone,

I've been building an ADU in south San Diego (National City) area and I've hit a big bump on the road. It's been a long process (over a year) and I can't wait to finish it. I just found out by the water (utilities company) that I need to change the size of the water line that goes to my house. This is an older neighborhood and therefore my water meter is located at the corner of the crossing street, not in front of my property. I wish I would have known this information before starting this process. Now that I'm towards the end of it I won't get signed off unless these plumbing upgrades are done. The water company is quoting me at approximately $80k-90k to do this project. Reason being that the linear footage from the meter to my house is pretty long and there's not a main water line on my street. This involves opening up the street so I can add the new main water line to run to my house. I definitely cannot afford to do that at this time. I've put all my money into this ADU and now it seems like I won't be able to finish it unless I come up with that money. Any guidance, suggestions ideas or programs are greatly appreciated.

[Matt Devincenzo]

Who is working on the permitting to get this approved for you? I will say from personal experience you may not be able to get anything else approved...but I have been successful in getting alternative designs approved. My guess is you are dealing with counter review staff, but your engineer needs to elevate this to senior staff who can make an alternative decision. Your big talking point should be your ability to create housing, and this excess cost will negate that.

Feel free to reach out and I'll help anyway I can.