This is the case for every authority having jurisdiction that has adopted the National Electrical Code, and for good reason.

A lack of outlets in a kitchen combined with countertop appliances that heat up things like coffee makers, rice cookers, hot plates, or crock pots can easily harm.

Building and fire safety code books are written in blood, as they say.

That being said, California has a lot of stupid regulations, like mandatory environmental studies and things of that nature. Great for environmental engineers/consultants and existing real estate owners but it’s bad for everyone else.

Also Prop 13, that’s a real bad deal for anyone that isn’t going to inherit a grandfathered house with ridiculously low property taxes.

The rule is simple, for any workspace (countertop) in a kitchen wider than 12”, there must be no point further than 24” away from a receptacle. This means receptacles are spaced 4’ apart on a kitchen countertop, and any receptacle within 6’ of a the edge of a sink must be GFCI protected.

A blue plastic device box is about $1, a residential grade receptacle costs $1, a wall plate costs about $0.50, and 10’ of 14/2 romex costs about $5, plus $20-30 for 20 minutes of labor. You’re looking at an extra $30-40 cost per additional receptacle, call it $50 with contractor’s overhead and profit.