Sec. 78-80.4(m)

Other

• Accepted practices

  All installations of minor utility services and connections shall be constructed in accordance with accepted standards of utility practice for connection and construction.

• Compatibility and screening

  In addition to the landscape and screening requirements in Article XI, Development Standards, a minor utility shall provide adequate setbacks, screening and buffering around the perimeter of the proposed use as deemed necessary by the zoning administrator to ensure land use compatibility with surrounding uses.

• Location proximity

  A minor utility use shall be located within reasonable proximity of the area to be served.

• Underground installation required

  All new minor utility services and connections including, but not limited to, all wires, cables, pipes, conduits and appurtenant equipment, which carry, transmit or are otherwise utilized in connection with the furnishing of electric power, telephone, telegraph, cable television, internet services, petroleum, gas, steam, water, or drainage or sanitary sewer systems, must be placed below the surface of the ground, except that: a. Equipment related to a minor utility use, such as electric distribution transformers, switchgear, meter pedestals, and telephone pedestals, which is normally installed above ground in accordance with accepted utility practices for underground distribution systems, may be installed above ground. b. Gas meters and other similar devices normally attached to the outside wall of the premises which they serve may continue to be so installed. c. Existing overhead utility services and connections may be repaired, replaced or increased in capacity. d. New connections to electric power or telephone systems made to parcels which are served by overhead services or connections may be above ground when the parcel was created by a subdivision of land prior to November 14, 1978, and the use of the parcel is that of single-family or duplex dwelling and the parcel is located in a residential zoning district. e. Cable television services and connections may be above ground only where such is specifically permitted under the terms of a franchise agreement with the town. f. The installations of any utility company having a franchise agreement with the town are regulated by the provisions of this section only to the extent that the terms of the utility company's franchise agreement do not conflict with the requirements of this section.