Monrovia Municipal Code Ch. 15.36 Undergrounding of Utilities

The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare by providing for the undergrounding of specified utilities in residential, commercial and industrial zones.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.010) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987)

As used in this chapter, the term UTILITY LINES includes but is not limited to electric power, gas, telephone service, and cable TV.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.020) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987)

(A) For all new residential, commercial, and industrial construction or substantial building renovation or substantial building expansion of multiple residential, commercial and industrial, all utilities shall be installed underground on the building site and to the serving utility. SUBSTANTIAL BUILDING RENOVATION means structural improvements to more than 50% of the habitable floor area of the structure during any 12-month period. SUBSTANTIAL BUILDING EXPANSION means an increase of 35% or more of the habitable floor area or any cumulative increase of 35% or more of the habitable floor area of the structure in any 12-month period.

(B) Installation of all utility meters shall be performed in a manner so as to obscure such installation from view from any place on or off the property. Such installation shall be in a manner acceptable to the public utility and shall be in the form of a vault, wall cabinet, or wall box.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.030) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987; Ord. 2005-14 § 3 (part), 2005)

The Development Review Committee may waive the requirement of § 15.36.030 if topographic, soil, or any other physical conditions make such underground installations unreasonable or impractical, or if it is not economically practical in that it exceeds 5% of the total improvement cost.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.040) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987; Ord. 2005-14 § 3 (part), 2005)

When a waiver of § 15.36.030 is sought, a written application for such waiver shall be filed explaining the justification for such request.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.050) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987)

Above-ground installation of utilities may be permitted on a temporary basis when such utilities are reasonably required during construction, provided, however, that such utilities shall be removed or placed underground prior to building occupancy.

(`83 Code, § 15.36.060) (Ord. 87-20 § 1 (part), 1987; Ord. 2005-14 § 3 (part), 2005)