The purpose of this section is to define, specify, regulate, and control the undergrounding of utilities when such undergrounding is required as a condition to development.
(Ord. 97-4 § 2)
This section shall apply to all projects for which a permit to develop real property is required from the city including but not limited to use permits and building permits, encroachment permits, or other public works permits and all other procedures and processes wherein public or private improvements, construction, and improvements or construction plans are required as a condition prior to city approval. This section shall not apply to alleys or to established residential neighborhoods except where a subdivision is proposed.
(Ord. 97-4 § 2)
A. 
When new development necessitates the installation of public improvements including, but not limited to, full width street improvements; curb, gutter and sidewalk; driveways; etc. and where the placement of such improvements necessitates the removal and replacement of existing overhead utilities, such utilities shall be placed underground in conformance with Section 15.16.020 of this code.
B. 
Such undergrounding of existing improvements shall be in conformance with the city's engineering standards in effect at the time of construction, including and in addition to any requirements that the affected public utility may have.
C. 
For various engineering reasons it may be necessary to extend the undergrounding requirement beyond the project limits. When this occurs, the developer shall be reimbursed for the costs associated with such extensions in the manner specified in the city's municipal code sections relating to oversizing of utilities.
D. 
Prior to commencing work, the developer shall obtain an encroachment permit from the city. The requirements for the encroachment permit shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.16 of this code.
E. 
Unless otherwise agreed to by the affected public utility and the developer, the cost of undergrounding such utilities shall be borne by the developer.
F. 
An in lieu fee equal to the cost of constructing any utility undergrounding improvements required by an encroachment permit may be paid if the city engineer and the affected public utility find that the deferral of said utility undergrounding does not create a situation hazardous to the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
G. 
As an alternative to the payment of an in lieu fee, the property owner may request a deferral of the requirement to underground existing utilities. The city engineer shall consider such requests in accordance with Section 15.16.020(C).
(Ord. 97-4 § 2)