Skip to main content
Loading…
Search Within This
313-73
This section is included in your selections.

73.1 ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES, MAJOR

73.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that major electrical transmission and distribution facilities are located, designed and constructed in a manner which is least environmentally damaging to natural resources and minimizes degradation of coastal scenic resources. (Former Section CZ#A314-14(A))

73.1.2 Applicability. These regulations shall apply throughout the Coastal Zone, in any zone in which the Major Electrical Transmission Lines use type is permitted. Placement in service or the replacement of any necessary utility connection between an existing service facility and any development are exempt from these regulations. (Former Section CZ#A314-14(B))

73.1.3 Required Mitigation. The following mitigation measures shall be included in the siting and installation of major electrical transmission lines: (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C))

73.1.3.1Scarring, grading or other vegetative removal shall be minimized; disturbed areas shall be revegetated with plants similar to those in the area; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(1))

73.1.3.2Where above-ground transmission line placement will unavoidably affect views, transmission lines will be underground where it is technically and economically feasible, except where it has been shown that other alternatives are less environmentally damaging; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(2))

73.1.3.3Where above-ground facilities are necessary, design of the support towers shall be compatible with the surroundings to the extent safety and economic considerations allow; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(3))

73.1.3.4Transmission lines shall be routed to avoid the crests of roadways to minimize their visibility on distant views. Where visual impacts will be minimized, lines shall cross roadways at downhill low elevation sites or curves in the road, wherever feasible; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(4))

73.1.3.5New major steel tower electrical transmission facilities shall be sited in the same utility corridor with existing electrical steel tower transmission facilities, except where there are social, aesthetic or significant economic concerns which make such routing inappropriate; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(5))

73.1.3.6Existing right-of-way shall be utilized for other related utilities, in order to provide consolidated corridors, wherever such consolidation is compatible and feasible; (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(6))

73.1.3.7Access and construction roads shall be located to minimize landform alternations. Road grades and alignments shall follow the contour of the land with smooth, gradual curves, wherever possible. (Former Section CZ#A314-14(C)(7))

73.1.4 Findings Required. Major electrical transmission lines shall be approved only if the applicable Civic Development Impact Findings are made. (Former Section CZ#A314-14(D))