Shafter Zoning Code § 10.380 Underground Utilities

1. Requirement for Underground Installation of Utility Lines

All permits dealing with utility lines shall be consistent with all applicable State laws and regulations.

Except as provided in this Title, the following utility lines, existing and proposed shall be installed underground in conjunction with new development projects. Said undergrounding of utility lines shall include, but not be limited to, all new electrical distribution lines, existing electrical distribution lines of 34,500 Volts (V) or less, telephone, street light service lines, cable television and similar service wires or cable which:

• a. provide new service to the property being developed;

• b. are existing and located within the boundaries of the property being developed;

General Development Standards

10-52

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

CHAPTER 10

• c. are existing between the property line and the centerline of the peripheral streets of the property being developed; or

• d. are along the project perimeter boundary.

2. Responsibility for Compliance

Arrangements, including payment of all costs, for undergrounding utility lines shall be made by the developer or owner of the property to be developed with the serving utility company(s). Undergrounding of utility lines and structures may be done by the developer, or owner, with permission from the serving utility.

3. Timing of Compliance

Undergrounding shall be completed:

• a. prior to the inspection approval of related street improvements; or

• b. prior to building occupancy if no related street improvements are required.

• General Exceptions

The following exceptions shall apply:

• a. Temporary overhead utility lines including necessary service poles, wires, and cables may be permitted and installed to the satisfaction of the Building Official for the period during which authorized construction is continuing for which valid building permits have been issued. All temporary overhead utility lines shall be removed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

• b. Appurtenances and associated equipment including, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts in a underground system, may be placed above ground and installed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

• c. In established residential areas where overhead utility lines presently exist along or near lot lines and where an in-fill single family dwelling unit is being developed on a single lot, or where an in-fill two family or duplex dwelling unit is being developed on a single lot overhead utility lines may be permitted and installed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

5. Exceptions Approved by the City Engineer

The following further exceptions may apply, subject in each case to the specific written approval of the City Engineer, and then only on the basis of a formal request detailing the reasons therefor:

General Development Standards

10-53

CHAPTER 10

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

• a. On developments consisting of three lots or less that do not in total exceed one hundred and fifty feet (150') of frontage for residential, commercial, office professional, business park, public/institutional, or industrial development, the City Engineer may waive construction of underground utility lines along the peripheral streets or property lines, however, all on site utility service lines shall be installed underground. In such a situation, the developer or property owner shall deposit the cost, as determined by the City Engineer, for undergrounding utility lines along the peripheral streets or property lines with the City for future undergrounding work to be done by the City.

  • b. A new single family residence constructed in rural undeveloped areas where there are no existing utility lines within a quarter (¼) mile radius. However, in such a situation, the developer or property owner shall deposit the cost as determined by the City Engineer for undergrounding utility lines along the peripheral streets or property lines with the City for future undergrounding work to be done by the City.

6. Nonconforming Structures

Buildings and structures which, on the effective date of this Title or any subsequent amendments thereto, are nonconforming in regard to above ground on-site utility lines and structures, may continue to be used, altered or enlarged in the same manner, as if such nonconforming utility lines did not exist.

7. Appeals

An appeal, along with the appropriate fee, may be submitted to the City Council for the consideration of waiving all or portions of the requirements of this Section due to topographic conditions, soil or other factors that render undergrounding unreasonable or impractical. All appeals shall be in writing, and shall state the reason why undergrounding is unreasonable or impractical. Appeals shall include a preliminary estimate of cost, in writing, from the serving utility company(s).