(A) On unplatted property and lots outside of platted subdivisions, the following shall apply.
(1) No pipe, line for water, gas, sewage, drainage, steam or any other service customarily placed underground shall be installed, altered or replaced, upon any lot (outside of any building) above the surface of the ground, except for hoses, movable pipes used for irrigation or other purpose during construction.
(2) Electrical power and cable service may be extended overhead from existing power and cable sources adjacent to the property or lot for any new single-family residential use or remodel, or any new agricultural use, remodel or upgrade, as long as the extension does not cross an improved public street or road.
(3) The extension of electrical power or cable service across an improved public street or road shall be placed underground unless the County Engineer or designee determines that it is not practicable to do so. In determining practicability, objective findings shall be clearly documented that consider the unique circumstances of each case.
(B) Within a platted subdivision, all new utility lines shall be placed underground in designated easements. No pipe, conduit, cable, line for water, gas, sewage, drainage, steam, electricity or any other energy or service shall be installed, and no pole or other support structure therefor shall be erected, altered or replaced, upon any lot (outside of any building) above the surface of the ground, except for hoses, movable pipes used for irrigation or other purpose during construction.
(C) For large-scale electrical transmission projects, overhead utility lines may be allowed if approved through the conditional use process as provided in § 155.332 of this code.
(D) Transformers, substations, transmission, pump and/or related generator facilities shall be grouped with other utility meters where possible and screened or fenced in accordance with § 155.345 of this code.
(1) Gas meters and electric service meters and panels shall be located on the side of the building.
(2) Buildings greater than 120 square feet shall be reviewed for architectural compliance by the Zoning Administrator and shall present a color scheme which is earth toned in color so as to match the natural environment of the surrounding area. Lighting shall be focused and downward directional.
(3) The maximum height of any building is 20 feet, as measured to the bottom of the eave, except as specifically provided for in other sections of this chapter.
(E) Lot area, width, depth, frontage and coverage regulations for an electrical transmission substation; a natural gas pipeline regulation station; an unmanned telecommunications, microwave, fiber optics, electrical or other utility service regeneration, transformation or amplification facility; a community water system facility, storage tank or well house or governmentally operated essential service facilities shall be:
(1) All lots or parcels shall contain an area of sufficient size and dimension to safely accommodate the utility facility or use, any required landscaping and the required setback and yard regulations as specified in the applicable zoning ordinance regulating the property. Front yard depth requirements may be reduced to no less than ten feet if the following findings can be made. Typical setback is not necessary to:
(a) Maintain intersection safety sight distance;
(b) Maintain vehicle and pedestrian safety; and
(c) Maintain building visual continuity in the vicinity.
(2) No frontage is required along a public right-of-way if clear and legal access exists from a public right-of-way to the site for the purpose of the utility use.
(F) Each contractor and owner/developer shall be responsible to know the whereabouts of all underground utilities. Protection of such utilities shall also be their responsibility. Prior to construction, contact must be made with “blue stakes” and other local public utilities to identify underground utility lines.
(G) This section does not require removal of any existing electrical transmission facilities and electrical distribution lines, nor does it restrict the repair, minor relocation and maintenance of any such existing facilities, except that the developer shall be responsible for the removing of utility poles out of the public right-of-way that may be left in the right-of-way after public improvements associated with the project are completed. All utility lines associated with the preexisting utility poles shall be placed underground.
(H) Aboveground utility boxes or other appurtenances are prohibited in designated snow storage easements.
(Prior Code, § 8-6-18) (Ord. 12-12, passed 12-4-2012) Penalty, see § 155.999