HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 - Ord. 90-08 - Underground Utilities
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
DISCUSSION:
HERITAGE
1891
COMMUNITY
1991
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6
STEVE HESS, ASSOCIATE CITY PLANNER
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 90-08 AMENDING
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE 87-10 SECTION 6-6-9
REQUIRING THAT UTILITIES BE PLACED
UNDERGROUND
JULY 2, 1990
Staff researched and developed a Subdivision
Ordinance Amendment that requires the
placement of utility equipment underground.
This agenda report is the result of that
research and the subsequent Public Hearing
held before the Planning Commission on June 7,
1990.
At the present time it is the decision of the
utilitr companies to determine the placement
of the1r pipelines and utility lines in new
subdivisions. This amendment would shift the
discretion to the city and away from the
utility companies. I talked to several other
cities about their ordinances and how well
they worked for enforcement. I also held
discussions with all the utility companies to
understand their views on the ordinance.
Staff had specific areas that they wanted
addressed by the amendment and the utility
companies also had areas of concern.
The amendment covers the utility lines and
~ipelines themselves. Staff had hoped to
1nclude all equipment used by the utility
companies, but the research would indicate
that the technology has not advanced enough to
reliably place the line treatment and
switching centers below ground. Placing this
equipment underground contributes to the time
needed to correct problems and also
contributes to a number of problems.
This amendment also provides that utility
lines be placed in utility easements instead
of the present ~ractice of placing them in the
boulevards. Th1S will allow for the placement
of trees and for shorter and less costly
maintenence time for utility equipment. Three
phase feeder lines that service more than one
subdivision will remain above ground.
Problems with the reliability and the down
time and the effect on the safety of the
City's residents were the determining factors
in allowing them to remain above ground.
4629 Dakota 51. 5.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 I Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
ALTERNATIVE: 1.
RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION REQUIRED:
The amendment was written for new
subdivisions, but it also addresses the
problem of previousi1y platted subdivisions.
They are also included, if they have not been
developed when this amendment is put into
affect.
This amendment gives the City the abilit~ to
control the placement of the utility l1nes,
which will help solve problems briefly
described below. The adoption of the new tree
ordinance was an instigating factor in
developing a new utility ordinance. The
Park's department found that they did not have
room for their trees in the boulevards because
of weaving utility lines. Subsequent
discussion with the utility companies showed
that they were also working with limited space
in the boulevards. This amendment will allow
the city to continue to beautify the city
through the planting of trees. It will also
provide more room for the maintenance of
public and semi-public utility lines. It
provides utility companies specific 9uidelines
to work with in the placement of the1r lines.
The adoption of this ordinance will enhance
the aesthetics of the community throu9h the
placement of utility lines underground 1n all
new subdivisions.
Approve the ado~tion of Ordinance 90-08
Amending Subdivis10n Ordinance 87-10 - Section
6-6-9"
2.
Continue the
information.
for
additional
discussion
3.
Deny the adoption of Ordinance 90-08 Amending
Subdivision Ordinance 87-10 - Section 6-6-9 .
Planning Commission recommends adoption of
Ordinance 90-08 Amending Subdivision Ordinance
87-10 - Section 6-6-9. The utility companies
approved of the language because staff managed
to their satisfaction the issue of what
equipment can still remain above ground.
Action of the Council will vary based on
discussion. Motion to approve the amendment
may be in order.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 90-08
-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTP.R 6, TITLE 6, OF PRIOR LAKE CITY
CODE AND THE PRIOR LAKE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE NO. 87-10.
The Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain:
A new Section 6-6-9 is hereby added to Chapter 6, Title 6, of
Prior r~ake City Code and the Prior Lake SubdJvision Ordinance
No. 87-10 which shall read 4S fOllOW:~~~-
6-6-91 UTILITIES ~/' .7
(A) In all new subdiviSions~all utility cables and
pipelinas shall be placed underground. Transformers and
pad mounted switching centers for electricity, line
treatment and distribution points for telephone and
television services, and pressure regulating and
monitoring devices for natural gas, will be allowed to
remain above ground. Anf other facilities or other
similar associated utillty services constructed on
public or private property shall be placed underground.
(B)
In all suhdivisions platted prior to the
of this ordinance, where installation of
not commenced, all utility services must
Paragraph (A).
effective date
utilities has
comply with
(C)
Three-phase feeder linea will be allowed to remain
above ground subject to approval by the City Engineer.
All utility companJ.es installing utilitieA within
public right-of-ways must obtain a permit from the City
Engineer prior to th& installation of the utility.
(D)
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage
and publicat.ion.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this ____
day of , 1990.
ATTEST 1
CTty Manager
...------
Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the ____ day of
, 1990.
Drafted By:
Lommen, Nelson, Cole & Stageberg, P.A.
1800 IDS Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402