(A) Except as otherwise permitted in this section, all outdoor cables, wiring and connections, transformers, switching equipment, switching cubicles, meters and other outdoor equipment used in the distribution of electric power or telephonic communications shall be buried beneath the surface of the soil. Subject to the conditions set forth in this section, transformers and switching equipment, switching cubicles, meters and similar equipment, other than wires and cables, used in the distribution of electrical power or telephonic communications and which by design are required to be placed above ground:
(1) Shall be located in either a side yard (except a side yard abutting a street in the case of a corner lot) or the rear yard and, in the case of equipment used in the distribution of electric power, shall not be closer than two feet to any side or rear lot line;
(2) May be located in a front yard or in a side yard abutting a street in the case of a corner lot and shall not be closer than seven feet to any lot line abutting a street nor closer than two feet to any other lot line; and
(3) With the irrevocable written consent of the owner or owners of the immediately adjacent property or properties, the form of which consent shall be satisfactory to the Building Commissioner, may be located closer than two feet to any side or rear lot line (excepting a side lot line in a side yard abutting a street in the case of a corner lot) if otherwise in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) above, whichever is applicable. The foregoing restrictions and conditions shall not apply to any above-ground electrical distribution or telephonic communications equipment placed on property in any district zoned M-1 or M-2 or on public ways pursuant to and in accordance with specific authorization by the Village Board of Trustees.
(B) All above-ground electrical or telephonic communication equipment, to the extent not otherwise screened by a fence or other structure so as to minimize the visibility of the equipment from neighboring properties and public ways during all seasons of the year, shall be screened by a natural screen comprised of dense evergreen plantings of sufficient height and closely spaced to make the equipment inconspicuous to an observer from neighboring properties and public ways during all seasons of the year. The expense of installation, maintenance and, if necessary, replacement of any natural screen required by this subsection shall be borne by the transmitting utility that installed or is otherwise responsible for the equipment. The owner or owners of property upon which above-ground electrical or telephonic equipment is placed may enter into a written agreement with the transmitting utility to undertake all or any portion of the transmitting utility’s responsibility under this subsection for the installation, maintenance and replacement of any natural screen required on the property, but any agreement shall not relieve the transmitting utility from its responsibilities under the zoning regulations. All above-ground electrical distribution and telephonic communication equipment shall be colored to blend with its surroundings and shall be installed and maintained at the expense of the transmitting utility so as to demonstrate clean, straight lines, level placement and structural integrity.
(Ord. 577, passed 4-14-1969)