South El Monte Municipal Code Ch. 15.26 Undergrounding of Utilities

All electrical distribution lines of sixteen thousand volts or less, telephone, cable television and similar wires or cables, which provide direct service to any building constructed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be installed underground.

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988)

The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to the following:

A. Utility service poles utilized for the sole purpose of terminating underground facilities and erected within six feet of rear lot line of the property upon which the building is being constructed;

B. Single-family (R-1) building surrounded by improved developed property served by aboveground facilities;

C. Multiple-family (R-3), commercial, and industrial developments surrounded by improved developed property served directly from the rear lot line by aboveground facilities;

D. Temporary utilities for construction purposes only provided valid building permits have been issued for the construction;

E. Risers on poles and buildings;

F. Appurtenances and associated equipment in an underground system, including, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets.

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988; Ord. 895 §1, 1991)

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

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988)

A. The owner may make application for an exception from the provisions of this chapter by:

1. Filing an application with the planning department, setting forth the reasons for such relief;

2. Paying the filing fee established by resolution of the city council.

B. The application shall be considered by the planning commission, which shall grant the application only if it finds that imposition of the requirement would result in undue hardship due to topographical, soil or similar conditions. The application can be appealed in writing to the city council within ten days of the planning commission action.

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988)

The provisions of this chapter only apply to utility lines providing direct service to the property being developed and not to utility lines providing service only to other properties and constructed by the serving utility in accordance with the rules and regulations and tariff schedules of the California Public Utilities Commission.

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988)

No building permit for a new building shall be issued until security satisfactory to the city attorney has been posted to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 820 §1, 1988)