Avoid Costly Gate & Fence Mistakes

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"Utility & Mailman Access Requirements For San Diego & Orange County"

Attention managers and owners. If you are currently designing or installing a new fence PLEASE, STOP what you are doing and read this post now.

Fences by their very nature are designed to keep people out, bring comfort, and relieve stress. But if you don't plan carefully you may just end up exposing yourself to headaches and costly additions.

1. Mailmail Access. The United States Postal Service (USPS), by direction of the Constitution and Congress, is the only authorized provider of First Class Mail in the US. Therefore, they are the only people who can legally deliver letters to mailboxes. In order to accomplish their mission they require unfettered access to mailboxes everywhere, no exceptions. Either you comply or you get no mail. If your mailboxes are outside the fence line then you really have no problems and everything is good to go. If not, you will need to install a USPS approved key box, or an electronic switch that is guarded by a USPS approved lock.

2. Meter Access. The San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Co. oversees much of the power supply for Southern California. In order to properly service and maintain their utilities all clients throughtout San Diego and Orange Country must comply with SDG&E access requirements. If a meter is being blocked by a gate or a door then it must have an SDG&E approved lock installed, no exceptions. If you did not plan for a gate or a door then a gate or a door must be installed as well. SDG&E is currently working on a plan to upgrade all of its readers to a digital network it can monitor remotely, but for now your meter must remain accessible to the gas man.

As a locksmith I can attest first hand to the costly alterations owners and managers have had to implement due to these unfamiliar requirements. You should also consider who else may need access in the future so that you can plan accordingly. A good plan is essential to saving you time and money.