Larkspur Municipal Code Ch. 15.38 Underground Utilities

All electric and communication service laterals including those for cable television service shall be placed underground from the main service equipment within the building or structure to a location designated by the supplying utility in accordance with the supplying utility’s applicable rules, regulations and tariffs on file with the California Public Utilities Commission or other competent jurisdiction. Undergrounding of utilities shall be required under all of the following circumstances:

A. Construction of any new residential, industrial, or commercial building or structure requiring utility connection.

B. Remodeling of any such building or structure when such remodeling requires the relocation or replacement of the property owner’s main service equipment.

C. Remodeling any such building or structure when such remodeling involves additions, alterations, or repairs where more than fifty (50) percent of all existing walls of an existing structure, measured in lineal feet, are demolished or deconstructed, or additions exceed fifty (50) percent of the existing floor area, or any combination of the two (2) cumulatively exceed fifty (50) percent. (Ord. 1043 § 15, 2020; Ord. 1013 § 13, 2016; Ord. 459 § 2 (part), 1973)

Where compliance is not economically or practicably feasible as defined by the cost of the undergrounding and related work being twenty (20) percent or more of the determined valuation of the building permit, the Chief Building Official is authorized to permit an exemption to the requirement for undergrounding. The applicant shall provide a contract or a detailed, itemized estimate prepared by a qualified individual for the Chief Building Official to review, along with a request for exemption. If the exemption is granted, the Chief Building Official may permit different arrangements for such utility distribution. (Ord. 1094 § 13, 2026; Ord. 1069 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1043 § 15, 2020; Ord. 1013 § 13, 2016; Ord. 459 § 2 (part), 1973)

The property owner shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and shall make the necessary arrangements with the public utilities involved. (Ord. 1013 § 13, 2016; Ord. 459 § 2 (part), 1973)