Accessory dwelling unit electrical — service feed, subpanel, full circuits, code-compliant. In Central Marin: Highly varied: Victorian and craftsman in Mill Valley, Larkspur, and San Anselmo (1900s-1930s); mid-century ranch and split-level across San Rafael and Corte Madera (1950s-1970s); hillside custom home... Typical pricing: $4,500-$18,000. Duration: 1-3 weeks. C-10 licensed (CSLB #989290), PG&E-coordinated, permit-pulled where required.
01Why adu electrical in Central Marin is its own thing.
The Central Marin region spans Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, San Anselmo, and Fairfax — Marin's residential core and the hub of most local electrical work. The electrical work that happens here reflects what makes the area distinct. ADU electrical has its own code chapter (NEC 210-220 plus state amendments). Service feed sizing and panel selection are the early decisions that constrain everything else.
Common drivers we see for adu electrical work in Central Marin: ADU new construction, garage conversion to dwelling, existing structure conversion, granny unit build, rental income unit, family multigenerational setup. Each creates a different scope conversation — we walk every project before quoting so the number reflects the actual work.
02What working here actually looks like.
Geography matters more here than people often realize. Mix of flat valleys (Ross Valley, San Rafael) and steep hillsides (Mill Valley, Tam Valley). Mature tree canopy. PG&E service mostly overhead.
Utility grid context: Storm season damage frequent in hillside and tree-canopy areas. PSPS events impact during fire weather.
Permit jurisdiction for this scope: Multiple AHJs — Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Fairfax each have their own building departments. Marin County for unincorporated.
03How a adu electrical project here goes.
Typical adu electrical project in Central Marin runs 1-3 weeks from kickoff to final inspection. Pricing range: $4,500-$18,000, with variation driven by access, existing conditions, and permit complexity.
The sequence we follow: Service feed planning (sub-panel feed from main vs separate service) → Load calc for new dwelling unit → Conduit run + service install → Full ADU rough-in (circuits, devices, fixtures) → AHJ inspection + utility coordination.
We pull permits as part of the standard scope on permitted work, coordinate AHJ inspections, and don't leave site until the work is functional, tested, and signed off.
Common questions.
· Field guidance reflects current jobsite practice in Central Marin and broader Marin County.
· Code references cite the current NEC (NFPA 70) as adopted by California, plus California Title 24 Part 6 (Energy Code) and Part 9 (Fire Code) where relevant.
· Permit and inspection scope follows Multiple AHJs — Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Fairfax each have their own building departments.
· Pricing ranges reflect 2026 Towery Electric quote data on Central Marin-area projects, not third-party industry averages.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.