South Pasadena Municipal Code Art. IV Undergrounding of Utilities Prior to Issuance of Building Permits

The director of planning and building shall, as a condition precedent to the issuance of any building, electrical or plumbing permit, require all utility services located within exterior boundary lines of any lot or parcel of property to be installed underground if:

(a) The property is to be developed with a new or relocated main building.

(b) A residential building or use is converted to any nonresidential use or purpose.

(c) The remodeling, alteration or addition to an existing commercial building involves an expense (expended or self-provided) totalling within any twelve month period a sum equal to or greater than twenty-five percent of the then market value of such commercial building. The director of planning and building may refer to available records of the county assessor’s office to assist him in ascertaining the current market value of the building.

For purposes of this article the term “main building” shall mean a building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot or building site on which it is located.

For purposes of this article the term “commercial building” shall mean a building in which is conducted a commercial use, excluding home occupational uses. (Ord. No. 1668.)

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) Temporary utilities along with the necessary service poles, wires, and cable 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, building code and other applicable regulations.

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

(d) Appurtenances and associated equipment including, but not limited to, surface mounted transformers, pedestal mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts within a structure as part of an underground system may be placed above ground. All equipment placed above ground shall be considered accessory structures. (Ord. No. 1668.)

It is the intention that all the utility facilities of developments described in Section 9.45 be placed underground. If it is determined that practical difficulties, or unreasonable hardships inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter and unique to a particular parcel of property would result from the literal application of this section, the zoning board may waive, modify or delay the application of any undergrounding requirement imposed pursuant to this section upon written application of any affected property owner. The zoning board shall notify the applicant of their decision in writing by mail. If the zoning board determines to delay the installation of required underground utilities, they may require a recorded agreement guaranteeing the future performance of the work together with adequate performance security enforceable by the city in the form of a cash deposit, bond, letter of credit, or other instrument satisfactory to the city attorney. (Ord. No. 1668.)

Any person dissatisfied by any decision of the planning commission board may file an appeal with the city council within fifteen days after the decision of the zoning board is deposited in the mail. The city council may overrule, modify or affirm the decision of the planning commission. The decision of the city council shall be final and conclusive in all cases. (Ord. No. 1668.)