Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:
I was wondering if the fact that new housing developments have underground utilities such as phone and electrical vs. above ground found in older areas is due to a code change. If so, what is the code and when did it go into effect?

Answer:
In 1970, the California Public Utilities Commission mandated that all distribution facilities and services be undergrounded for new subdivisions. The Tariff Book for Southern California Edison further specifies that underground distribution lines are required for all new subdivisions, apartments, commercial, and industrial developments. However, construction of new single-family/lot residential is exempt from this requirement.

Public Works' policies are consistent with these rules. Our policies are only applicable to distribution lines that are less than 50KV. We do not require transmission lines with more than 50KV to be undergrounded.


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