Matt,

Here in Texas we have no bollards in front of water heaters in the garage and we place the gas meters near the street or alley ways so that drivers can easily hit them.

As far as the meters, it all about convenience of the meter reader to drive down the alley and read the meter from the front seat of the truck.

My neighbor has backed out and hit her gas meter 3 times in the last 2 yrs.

The gas company keeps coming out and replacing it or straightening it up.

__________________
Rick Hurst_Home Works Inspection Co_Rockwall TX
In the words of Mike Tyson.... "Everyone has a plan until they get hit inda mouf"