In all honesty, if it's in fact required by the state, you're delaying the inevitable - and if you successfully impede them you may find that they're more than happy to stay off of your property, but that they discontinue gas service until you fix the problem yourself. You may be able to arrange for a more cosmetically pleasing barrier, at your own expense. You may also be able to move the meter at your own expense, although the cost of that will likely be disproportionate to the benefit.
Do find out the CPUC section and get back to us. That may give us some more ideas.

