§ 24.25.340. Utility lines and facilities—New.

Installation of utility lines and facilities is permitted in existing rights-of-way and utility corridors consistent with applicable regulations (see Title 13, TCC). The alignment of underground utility lines outside of existing rights-of-way shall avoid important habitat areas to the greatest extent possible. The approval authority may allow underground utility lines within these areas when it is determined that there are no practicable alternatives or if the utility lines will be consolidated with a road crossing or parallel to an existing utility crossing at the minimum separation distances established by the county for such uses.

A.

Utility Corridors. Utility corridor alignment, construction, restoration, and maintenance shall adhere to the following standards:

1.

Utility corridor alignment shall fall outside of important habitat areas and associated buffers to the maximum extent possible where it would have the least impact on the functions of important habitat area and associated buffers. The approval authority may require submission of a feasibility study that demonstrates that alternative routing with less impact on important habitat areas is not possible. Utility corridors shall not be located in habitat used for salmonid rearing or spawning or by a species listed as endangered or threatened by the state or federal government unless there is no other crossing site with less impact on these species and the habitat functions.

2.

Utility corridors shall not parallel a stream within a riparian habitat area unless there is no alternative.

3.

The utility corridor shall have the minimum width practicable.

4.

The utility corridor alignment and utility installation shall not cause an increased risk of landslide or significant erosion that would impact an important habitat.

5.

Utility corridor construction and maintenance shall maintain and protect the hydrologic and hydraulic functions of streams.

6.

Clearing shall be limited to the minimum necessary to locate the utility. Cutting of conifer trees greater than twelve inches in diameter (at four and one-half feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree) shall be avoided to the maximum extent possible and priority habitats preserved, consistent with the preservation of the most important habitat.

7.

The utility corridor shall provide for other necessary uses and facilities whenever possible. Conduit containing new utilities shall be sized to provide capacity for additional lines and cables when feasible.

8.

Utility corridors shall be revegetated with appropriate native vegetation, compatible with the utility facility and, whenever possible, equivalent to preconstruction densities. Restoration shall occur immediately upon completion of construction or soon thereafter under seasonal constraints or work windows established pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall submit a performance surety consistent with Chapter 24.70 TCC to ensure that such vegetation survives or is replaced.

B.

Stream Crossings. New utility lines and cables, sewer lines, and water lines are permitted to cross streams if they are in compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, and the following standards.

1.

Dry Streams. Dry, intermittent streams may be crossed with open cuts during a time period approved by the county and any agency with jurisdiction.

2.

Existing Crossings. Where possible, new lines and cables crossing perennial streams shall be contained within an existing roadbed, railroad bed, bridge, elevated walkway, conduit, or other existing structure.

3.

Boring. When it is not possible to use existing crossings, new crossings shall, when physically and economically feasible, be accomplished by boring beneath the scour depth and hyporheic zone of the of the stream's active channel and, where documented, the one-hundred-year channel migration zone. (See TCC 24.20.045 and 24.20.055). Bore pits associated with the crossings shall be restored upon project completion.

4.

Alignment. When use of existing structures or boring is not feasible to accommodate new utility lines, the stream/riparian habitat area crossing shall be aligned perpendicular to the channel where possible. If that is not possible, stream crossings shall be aligned at an angle greater than sixty degrees to the centerline of the stream channel consistent with the preservation of the most important habitat, as determined by the approval authority in consultation with the WDFW.

5.

Staging Areas. Staging areas for equipment and materials shall be located outside of the important habitat area.

6.

Maintenance Plan. Applicants shall submit a maintenance plan for the corridor for approval by the county consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

7.

Overhead utility crossings of streams may be permitted if the review authority determines that it is method with the least impact on the critical area.

C.

Individual Service Lines. Overhead lines or cables serving an individual use are permitted if no alternative is available, they meet state and federal requirements and do not impair wildlife use of the important habitat area. Poles supporting such lines shall be located outside of the important habitat area when feasible. If a pole is necessary within the important habitat area, it shall be located where it would be least damaging to the habitat, as determined by the approval authority in consultation with the WDFW.

Buried service lines serving an individual use are permitted upon demonstration that they will not have an adverse impact on the important habitat area. The site shall be restored upon completion of the utility installation.

(Ord. No. 14773, § 3(Att. B), 7-24-2012)