Washington Administrative Code › Title 468 - Transportation, Department of (See Title 88) › Chapter 468-34 - Utility lines - Franchises and permits › Section 468-34-330 - Scenic enhancement

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
			 Undergrounding requirements within scenic areas: In the interest of protection
			 and preservation of roadside appearance and visual quality of scenic areas, the
			 following requirements shall pertain to highway sections classified in
			 accordance with the definitions set forth in subsection (3) of this section.
Class A and B:
Initial franchises and franchise amendments where aerial
				facilities are nonexistent: Installation shall be underground except as may be
				justified as special exceptions listed in subsection (2) of this
				section.
Initial franchises and franchise amendments where aerial
				facilities exist: An aerial facility may be allowed on existing poles with the
				franchise to expire on the date of the existing franchise for the aerial line.
				No major reconstruction of the existing pole line or construction of a new
				aerial facility will be allowed except as may be justified under subsection (2)
				of this section.
Franchise renewals of existing aerial facilities: Upon
				expiration of an existing franchise, one franchise renewal for a period of
				twenty-five years may be granted for existing aerial lines with a special
				provision included in the franchise requiring the utility to apply for an
				initial franchise, franchise amendment or franchise renewal for burial of the
				facility either at the time major reconstruction of the line, for that portion
				of line to be reconstructed, or prior to expiration of the first franchise
				renewal. Existing facilities may be allowed to remain aerial if justified under
				subsection (2) of this section.
In considering approval of aerial facilities as special
				exceptions under subsection (2) of this section, greater emphasis upon the
				justification of facilities within Class A route segments shall be given by the
				department as compared to those in Class B.
Class C and D:
Aerial installations within highway sections having Class C and
				D scenic classification are permitted.
Class AX and BX:
An aerial facility may be allowed if found acceptable to the
				department based on design and/or location which will not detract from scenic
				values typical of those defined in Classes A and B.
(2) Special exceptions: Special exceptions
			 may be made where one or more of the following conditions exist:
Power lines of voltage in excess of 35 KV. Special design
				should be incorporated to minimize the visual impact of the facility.
Other utility locations are not available or are usually
				difficult and unreasonably costly, or are more undesirable from the standpoint
				of visual quality.
The placing of the utility underground is not technically
				feasible or is unreasonably costly.
The impact of the required undergrounding adversely affects the
				utility consumer rates or the long term economics of the utility.
(3) Classifications:
Class A -- Superior scenic qualities: Unique settings of
				superior scenic quality, historic or cultural, interest that should be
				protected or preserved by special treatment for heritage of others. Panoramic
				views from the highway of ocean beaches, scenic valleys, lake frontage,
				mountain forests, rivers, etc.
Class B -- High scenic value: Areas where valuable scenic and
				environmental amenities exist and are enjoyed generally by travelers and public
				and deserve serious consideration for preservation and protective
				measures.
Class C -- Secondary scenic importance: Scenic characteristics
				are of marginal importance.
Class D -- Industrial, heavily urbanized or deteriorated areas:
				Industrial areas, urban settings and blighted areas which expense for
				beautification measures is not appropriate.
Subclass X -- Alternative for Class A and B: Areas where based
				on design alternatives, such as configurations, color and location, an aerial
				facility could be allowed without changing the landscape quality.
General criteria: Classifications are to be based on the scenic
				values of the view from the roadway including the roadway appearance attainable
				after ultimate improvements within the right of way. Sections are to be of
				sufficient length to sustain separate distinguishable area
				characteristics.
Statutory Authority: 1977 ex.s. c 151. 79-01-033 (DOT Order
				  10 and Comm. Order 1, Resolution No. 13), § 468-34-330, filed 12/20/78.
				  Formerly WAC 252-04-285.