(A) The extension of utilities within any current or new development, be it residential, commercial, industrial or otherwise, that are above the surface of the ground is prohibited so as to promote the general health, welfare and safety of the citizenry.
(B) All such utilities must be underground.
(C) The extension of electrical transmission lines, distribution lines, and or service lines, together with any pole and structures that hold such lines, that will be utilized to get electricity to any such development, as referred to above, may be above ground if it is determined by a majority of The City Council that putting said utilities underground would create an undue hardship due to extraordinary natural conditions (significant underground rock formations, bodies of water, other obstructions, and the like - crossing beneath a roadway does not constitute an undue hardship in and of itself). If an exception is granted, every effort should be made to minimize the impact on the visual environment and limit the distance in which said lines and structures are extended above ground.
(D) Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit:
(1) The temporary above ground location of utility lines, together with any pole and structures that hold such lines, during construction for a period of one year, or until completion of construction, whichever occurs first;
(2) The temporary above ground location of utility lines, together with any pole and structures that hold such lines, during emergency conditions; or
(3) The at or above-grade location of transformers, service or meter pedestals and similar accessory installations, including any aboveground utility lines necessarily or customarily extending above-grade in an underground utility line system.
(Ord. 1992-0-1, passed 1-14-92; Am. Ord. 1996-0-21, passed 12-10-96; Am. Ord. 2013-O-14, passed 11-4-13)