Willits Municipal Code Ch. 15.28 Underground Utilities

This chapter shall be referred to as the underground utilities ordinance.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

A. "Communications service" means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means, including but not limited to telephone, telegraph, messenger-call, clock, police, fire alarm and traffic-control circuits for the transmission of standard television or radio signals.

B. "Electric service" means the distribution of electricity for heat, light or power.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

It shall be a condition of permits issued for the construction of new homes and other buildings which will require electrical or communication services provided by cables and wires, that facilities necessary to receive utility cables and wires be installed underground by the permittee from the service point to be determined by the utility company.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

It shall be a condition of any permit for the repair or remodeling of a building or sign, requiring communication service or electrical service, which repair or remodeling shall be in an amount exceeding fifty percent of the market value of the property (as determined by applying the last available assessment ration to the last available assessment by the Mendocino County assessor), that facilities necessary to receive such services be placed underground from the building to the serving point designated by the utility company. It shall also be a condition of any permit for a new electric service that facilities necessary to receive such service be placed underground from the building to the serving point designated by the utility company.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

Equipment pertaining to underground facilities such as transformers, meter cabinets and ducts are subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall be flush with, or below, the surface of the ground at the point of installation.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

The provisions of Sections 15.28.030 and 15.28.040 shall not apply to the following types of facilities and situations:

A. Poles without overhead lines used exclusively for fire or police alarm boxes, lighting purposes, or traffic control;

B. Overhead wires attached to the exterior surface of a building by means of a bracket or other fixture and extending from one location on the building to another location on the same building;

C. Radio antennae, their associated equipment and supporting structures, used by a utility or person for furnishing communication services;

D. Where, upon application duly made in writing, the planning commission expressly finds: (1) that topographical or soil conditions make application of said sections unreasonable or impractical, or (2) the application of said sections cannot be accomplished in a safe manner or without undue hardship.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).

Any person aggrieved by a decision of the planning commission under subsection D of Section 15.28.060 may appeal to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk within fifteen days after the action appealed from was taken.

(Ord. 80-4 §2(b) (part)).