§ 5.10. Underground utilities.

(a)

Except as provided below, transmission, distribution, and customer service utility facilities carrying or used in connection with electric power, streetlights, telephone, telegraph, cable television, petroleum, gas or steam, shall be placed below the surface of the ground. Exceptions are as follows:

(1)

Equipment such as electric distribution transformers, switchgear, meter pedestals, telephone pedestals, meters, service connections and the like normally installed aboveground in accordance with accepted utility practices for underground distribution.

(2)

Temporary overhead facilities required for construction purposes.

(3)

High tension transmission lines, fifty thousand (50,000) volts or more.

All installations shall be in accord with applicable codes and the Public Works Design Standards Manual, as approved by the council of the City of Virginia Beach and shall be in accordance with charges as approved by the state corporation commission.

The requirements of this provision shall not apply to subdivisions with lot sizes of three (3) acres or more.

(b)

Construction, installation and maintenance of any of the facilities mentioned in this section and located in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 109 of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance [Appendix F].

(Ord. No. 1490, 10-8-84; Ord. No. 2008, 11-6-90; Ord. No. 2793, 12-9-03; Ord. No. 3621, 6-16-20)

(Ord. No. 1490, 10-8-84; Ord. No. 2008, 11-6-90; Ord. No. 2793, 12-9-03; Ord. No. 3621, 6-16-20)