Every Utility Your ADU Needs — Coordinated and Connected
Water, sewer, electrical, and gas connections require permits, provider coordination, trenching, and inspections. We handle all of it as part of your ADU project.
Why Utilities Are the Hidden Challenge
Important: Title 10-6-10-B Utility Requirement
Per the City of Twin Falls Uniform Development Code, ADUs must receive water, sewer, and sanitation services from the primary dwelling. Additional service lines and/or meters shall not be installed. This means all utility connections run from your main house to the ADU — no separate meters or independent service lines.
Even though the code requires shared utility service, the physical connections still require careful planning. Running water, sewer, electrical, and gas lines from your main house to the ADU involves trenching work, proper sizing, and inspections at each stage.
In Twin Falls, you'll coordinate with the city for water and sewer line extensions, Idaho Power for electrical capacity, and Intermountain Gas for natural gas. Each has its own requirements and inspection process. We coordinate all of it.
Water + Sewer
- ✓Water line extension — from main to ADU with separate shutoff
- ✓Sewer connection — tied into existing lateral or new line to main
- ✓Meter installation — separate or shared, per jurisdiction
- ✓Septic considerations — for county properties not on city sewer
- ✓Trenching and backfill — proper depth and grade for all lines
Electrical + Gas
- ✓Electrical panel — dedicated sub-panel or new service for ADU
- ✓Idaho Power coordination — service application and meter setup
- ✓Gas line extension — from meter to ADU for heating and appliances
- ✓Intermountain Gas coordination — service setup and connection
- ✓Underground conduit — electrical run from panel to ADU
What Affects Utility Costs?
Distance from Main Lines
The farther your ADU site is from existing utility connections, the more trenching and pipe/conduit you need. This is assessed during your Feasibility Check.
Existing Capacity
Some properties can share water/sewer laterals with the main house. Others need new connections. Electrical capacity of your existing panel matters too.
Separate vs Shared Meters
Separate meters give you independent billing (useful for rentals) but cost more upfront. We help you decide what makes sense for your situation.
City vs County
Properties inside Twin Falls city limits connect to city water and sewer. County properties may need well and septic solutions, which add complexity and cost.
Assessed During Your Feasibility Check
Utility access and capacity are core parts of the Feasibility Check. We identify utility locations, assess capacity, and include utility costs in your budget range — so there are no surprises when construction starts.
One Team, All Utilities
We don't hand off utility work to a separate contractor. Our team coordinates every connection as part of your overall construction project — same schedule, same project manager, same accountability.
Have Utility Questions?
Start with a free Readiness Call. We'll discuss your property's utility situation and what to expect for your ADU project.