To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fourth
Title:
Title
8:30 A.M. Establish Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Conduct a public hearing and adopt a Resolution establishing the area designated as Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 as an underground utility district pursuant to Chapter 25A of the Sonoma County Code.
B) Direct the Clerk of the Board or designee to give notice that Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 has been established to all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within the district in accordance with Chapter 25A-7 of the Sonoma County Code.
(Fourth District)
end
Executive Summary:
Establishing an underground utility district allows for the undergrounding of existing overhead utilities. The County, by ordinance, has adopted a process for establishing underground utility districts, which is codified in Sonoma County Code Chapter 25A, and is consistent with California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements for undergrounding.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) recommends the Board conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution establishing the Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1.
TPW staff mailed notice of the public hearing to all affected property owners and utilities in accordance with Chapter 25A-2.
Discussion:
The underground utility district formation process, consistent with the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements, is defined in the Sonoma County Code, Chapter 25A Underground Utilities. Underground utility districts serve the public necessity, health, safety, and general welfare by requiring removal and underground installation of certain above-ground and overhead poles, wires, and associated structures in designated areas.
Establishing an underground utility district requires a public hearing, and notice of the public hearing must be mailed to each affected parcel within the boundaries of the proposed district and impacted utilities at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing. On February 8, 2022, the Board adopted a Resolution of Intention to establish the Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1, and set a public hearing thereon for March 15 at 8:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as feasible. In accordance with the notice requirements under Chapter 25A-2, TPW staff sent notice of the public hearing by mail to all persons owning real property within the proposed district, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, and impacted utility companies.
The primary purpose of the proposed Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 is to establish an area where existing above ground utilities can be removed and installed underground consistent with those in adjoining neighborhoods, thus eliminating several pockets of overhead distribution and service wires. The proposed boundaries of Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 are illustrated on the attached boundary map, which includes a list of impacted parcels. The boundaries of the proposed district have been delineated to provide a continuous network of underground utility service consistent with the adjacent neighborhoods. The proposal has been presented to the Mark West Citizens Advisory Council and has been field-reviewed jointly by PG&E and County representatives.
If approved, this will serve the public necessity, health, safety, and general welfare by, among other reasons, reducing fire risks associated with overhead wires.
If the proposed underground utility district is established, undergrounding projects in the designated area qualify for the Rule 20B program through Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Aside from available PG&E subsidies, the proposed Rule 20B project would be funded by the County. Rule 20B projects involve areas which do not fit the Rule 20A criteria, but which involve both sides of the road for at least 600 feet. Undergrounding costs have yet to be determined; however, TPW anticipates that funds received from the recent wildfire settlement with PG&E (Tier 2) and designated by this Board for utility undergrounding projects will be allocated for the County’s share of project costs. Should the Board establish the district, TPW anticipates returning to the Board with detailed project cost estimates and to request project approval.
Concepts for the undergrounding project have been presented to the Mark West Citizens Advisory Council and PG&E. In addition, PG&E staff and County representatives have physically inspected the proposed district in order to clarify the district boundaries. At the recommendation of PG&E, a number of adjacent parcels that were previously provided with underground service have been added to the proposed district to ensure permanency of the existing underground services. Additional utility service work is not anticipated on these parcels.
Under Chapter 25A, property owners who desire to continue to receive electric, communications or similar or associated service must provide all necessary facility changes on their premises so as to receive such service from the lines of the supplying utility or utilities at a new location, subject to applicable rules, regulations and tariffs of the respective utility or utilities on file with the commission. The County is required to notify property owners when they must complete these facility changes so TPW will provide updates on design and construction timelines as necessary. Currently, TPW anticipates the construction phase will begin in 2027.
Establishing an underground utility district itself is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378. Future undergrounding projects that may take place within the proposed district are exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15302(d) (Class 2), which consists of conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines where the surface is restored to the condition existing prior to the undergrounding, and CEQA Guidelines section 15301(b) (Class 1) which consists of repair, maintenance and minor alteration of existing facilities.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly support the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Climate Action and Resiliency
Goal: Goal 1: Continue to invest in wildfire preparedness and resiliency strategies
Objective: Objective 1: Support carbon eliminating microgrid technology in communities and energy grid resilience to reduce impact of power loss during power shutdowns and natural disasters (floods, fires, earthquakes) through education and legislative advocacy,
Prior Board Actions:
2-8-22: Board adopted Resolution of Intention to establish district.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this Board Item. The Department will provide detailed project specifications, cost estimates, and funding sources in future items brought to this Board.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None; engineering will be provided by a qualified consultant.
Attachments:
Resolution, Exhibit A
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.