(A) Code compliance. Electric power or communications facilities within city rights-of-way shall be constructed, operated, and maintained in conformity with the provisions of 83 Ill. Adm. Code 305 (formerly General Order 160 of the State Commerce Commission) entitled “Rules for Construction of Electric Power and Communications Lines” and the National Electrical Safety Code.
(B) Overhead facilities. Overhead power or communication facilities shall use single pole construction and, where practicable, joint use of poles shall be used. Utilities shall make every reasonable effort to design the installation so guys and braces will not be needed. Variances may be allowed if there is no feasible alternative and if guy wires are equipped with guy guards for maximum visibility.
(C) Underground facilities.
(1) Cable may be installed by trenching or plowing, provided that special consideration is given to boring in order to minimize damage when crossing improved entrances and side roads.
(2) If a crossing is installed by boring or jacking, encasement shall be provided between jacking or bore pits. Encasement may be eliminated only if the crossing is installed by the use of moles, whip augers, or other approved method which compress the earth to make the opening for cable installation or the installation is by the open trench method which is only permitted prior to roadway construction.
(3) Cable shall be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code.
(4) (a) All temporary service drops placed between November 1 of the prior year and March 15 of the current year, also known as snowdrops, shall be buried by May 31 of the current year, weather permitting, unless otherwise permitted by the city.
(b) Weather permitting, utilities shall bury all temporary drops, excluding snowdrops, within ten business days after placement.
(Prior Code, § 33-4-16)