Chapter 17.90
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Sections:
17.90.060 Visual compatibility.
17.90.090 Permit requirements.
17.90.100 Consistency with comprehensive plan.
17.90.010 Title.
This chapter shall be called “Public Utilities.” (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.020 Application.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all public utility and telecommunication carriers which occupy, use, construct, or maintain utility or telecommunication facilities within the city. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.030 Purpose.
Reserved. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.040 Authority.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the provisions of chapters 35.63, 35A.63, 36.70A, and 36.70B RCW and other applicable laws. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.050 Permitted when.
Public utility buildings, telephone exchanges, sewage pumping stations, electrical distribution substations, and similar developments necessary for the operation of a public utility shall be permitted subject to the requirements set forth in this chapter and any other applicable requirements. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.060 Visual compatibility.
A. If the installation is housed in a building, the building must conform architecturally with the surrounding buildings or with the type of building that will develop due to the zoning district.
B. An unhoused installation on the ground or a housed installation that does not conform to the architectural requirements of subsection (A) of this section must be sight-screened with evergreen trees, shrubs and landscaping planted in sufficient depth to form an effective sight barrier within five years. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.070 Protective fencing.
An unhoused installation of a dangerous nature such as an electrical distribution substation shall be enclosed with a fence six feet in height. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.080 Setbacks.
All buildings, installations and fences shall observe the setback requirements for buildings in the district in which they are located. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.090 Permit requirements.
All applications to develop or construct utilities shall include a complete plot plan and elevations showing the entire development, and photographs showing the location and character of all adjoining land improvements in addition to all other applicable permit application requirements. Permits for utilities and utility development shall be subject to review and approval by the city engineer. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
17.90.100 Consistency with comprehensive plan.
A. In order to be considered a permitted use publicly owned utilities must be identified in the public facilities and services element of the comprehensive plan, listed in the city’s capital improvement plan (CIP), or identified in a functional or capital plan adopted by reference under the city’s comprehensive plan.
B. All publicly owned utilities shall be fully consistent with city’s comprehensive plan and the requirements of this section. (Ord. 1933 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1857 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).