Palm Desert Municipal Code Ch. 12.16 Underground Utility Lines

The regulations as set out in this chapter with regard to the installation of utilities shall govern within the boundaries of the city.

(Ord. 38 § 1, 1974)

Except as provided hereinafter, all electrical distribution lines of sixteen thousand volts or less, telephone, cable antenna television, and similar service wires or cables, which provide direct service to the property being developed shall be installed underground. The following exceptions shall apply:

A. Utility service poles may be placed in the area within six feet of the rear lot line of the property to be developed, for the sole purpose of terminating underground facilities.

B. In residential areas where utility service poles presently exist along or near rear lot lines, overhead utility lines to serve residential structures may be permitted only after approval of the director of planning. This exception shall not apply to new residential subdivisions.

C. Temporary utilities along with the necessary service poles, wires, and cables may be permitted for the period during which authorized construction is continuing for which valid building permits have been issued or for temporary uses which comply with requirements of the zoning ordinance as codified in Title 25, Building Code and other applicable regulations.

D. Risers on poles and buildings are permitted and shall be provided by the developer or owner on the pole which provides service to the property.

E. Appurtenances and associated equipment including, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts in an underground system may be placed aboveground.

(Ord. 38 § 2, 1974)

The developer or owner is responsible for complying with the requirements of this chapter and he shall make the necessary arrangements with the utility company for the installation of such facilities.

(Ord. 38 § 3, 1974)

Buildings or structures, which on June 27, 1974, or on the date of any subsequent amendments thereto are nonconforming in regard to aboveground on-site utility lines, may continue to be used, altered or enlarged in the same manner, as if such nonconforming utility lines did not exist. However, when the buildings or structures are enlarged over two thousand five hundred square feet in area or when alteration or enlargement requires the installation of utility lines at new locations on the buildings and structures, or when existing electrical capacity to the buildings or structures is increased one hundred percent or more, the utility lines shall comply with the requirement of this chapter.

(Ord. 38 § 4, 1974)

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to limit or interfere with the installation, maintenance and operation of water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, other public utility pipelines, and electric, cable and open video systems, telephone or telegraph transmission lines when installed, maintained and operated in accordance with all other applicable laws. Pursuant to Title 23, Section 23.03.030, and notwithstanding anything in this municipal code to the contrary, utility distribution facilities for electricity that are installed within the designated spot municipal utility and completed from and after enactment of this section, shall be dedicated to the city.

(Ord. 1050 § 3, 2003)