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Natural Gas Service & Meter (Peoples Gas) + gas piping under the building permit: Chicago restaurant guide

Peoples Gas / Chicago DOB

What it is

New or upgraded gas service for a commercial kitchen. Peoples Gas installs the service and sets the meter once your plumbing/gas contractor's piping passes a pressure test; the gas piping itself is reviewed and inspected under your DOB building permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Gas cooking equipment in a space with no gas service, or a load bigger than the existing meter can serve. A takeover that keeps the existing gas service only needs the account moved to your name.

How to apply

Download the Peoples Gas new service application and e-mail it to NewServiceApplications@peoplesgasdelivery.com (or fax 920-430-6070) with your load in cubic feet per hour, special pressure needs, preferred meter location, site plan and tax ID. Call 811 before any digging.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Utility charges vary by job; gas piping permit fees are part of the building permit
Processing time
Varies — apply as soon as plans are set; service is installed before other trades need the space
Renewal
None
Who files
The plumbing/gas contractor and engineer prepare the load letter; the owner opens the account.

Good to know

Peoples Gas won't install if debris or scaffolding block the work area, the meter location lacks clearances, or the fuel line fails its pressure test. Gas service is a classic long lead; a late meter set delays the health inspection because the hood and cooking line must work.

Official source

Peoples Gas — new service requirements

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.