§ 27-500. Placement of utilities underground.

(a)

Generally. The following utilities shall be placed underground within easements or dedicated rights-of-ways and installed in accordance with this Code:

(1)

All electric, telephone, cable television, and other communication lines (exclusive of transformers or enclosures containing electrical equipment including but not limited to, switches, meters, or capacitors which may be pad mounted);

(2)

Gas distribution lines;

(3)

Potable water distribution lines; and

(4)

Sanitary sewer collection lines.

(b)

Abutting lots where overhead lines exist. Lots abutting existing easements or public rights-of-way where overhead electric, telephone, or cable television distribution supply lines and service connections have previously been installed may be supplied with such services from the utilities' overhead facilities provided the service connection to the site or lot are placed underground.

(c)

Screening required. Screening of any utility apparatus placed above ground shall be required as a condition of plan approval.

(d)

Minimum depth of underground utility placement. Underground utilities shall be placed beneath the surface level of the ground at a depth of not less than eighteen (18) inches. In cases where, this minimum depth cannot, as a practical matter, be met, it shall be necessary for the building inspector to issue written authorization for such deviation. This authorization shall be freely given where conditions so warrant.

(e)

Provision of easements/rights-of-way. Easements or rights-of-way of at least five (5) feet in width shall be provided, shown on the plat and dedicated.

(f)

Underground control. All underground utilities, except telephone lines, shall utilize the Allen System of underground control or similar or equivalent system of marking, and shallow buried identifying tapes to prevent dig-in damage to the underground lines shall be placed at least six (6) inches under the surface of the ground and directly over a utility line installation so as to protect such lines and assure safety to workers and the public. The location of new buried telephone lines shall continue to be marked as appropriate, using concrete upright or flush-type markers or by the use of visible warning decals places on above ground enclosures; taking into account pedestrian and automobile traffic in the selection of the marker to be used.

(Ord. No. 91-1-5, § 2, 5-6-91)