Here, in Allegheny Power Country, we have to provide a disconnect anytime the meterbase and Load Center are not "back to back"...
However... "back to back" has become loosely translated to mean back to back, or side by side, or in the same stud bay, or in the same general area...
I've seen as much as 10' vertical distance from the Meterbase and Load Center and was considered OK...
Seems to be a gray area...
