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Home My WebLink About18-00172 ROCKY MOUNTAIN WRITTEN RESPONSE - 141 N 2nd WROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER A DIVISION OF FPa: CoF' July 19, 2018 Ms. Tawnya Grover Planning and Zoning Coordinator City of Rexburg 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Dear Tawnya: 127 East Main Rexburg, Idaho 83440 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Rexburg's plans to adopt utility yard screening and fencing requirements into the city's development code. We understand that the following language, or something similar, is being contemplated: Under Definitions in Chapter 2: Utility Yard: Any electrical, gas, steam, communications, water, television, drainage, irrigation, sewage disposal or flood control yard that has equipment exposed. Yards are required to be screened as per Chapter 4. If equipment is underground in a vault or above ground in a building it need not be screened. • Under in Section 4.7 Screening and Fencing Requirements: iii. Utility Yards. When utility yards (see definition in Chapter 2) are in zones other than Industrial or adjacent to any residential zones, commercial zones or any existing residential or commercial zones, then screening is required. The screening required shall consist of a seven (7) foot tall decorative masonry wall that is set back from right-of-way seven (]) feet and at property line when not adjacent to right-of-way. The area between the right-of-way and the wall shall be landscaped with decorative rock and shall be kept free of weeds. The area between the right-of-way and the wall shall be planted with one (1) 2" caliper deciduous tree and five (5) five gallon bushes every thirty (30) feet. Trees and bushes required by this section shall be maintained in a live condition. Water tanks are not required to be screened. Pumps and other equipment associated with water tanks will be in below grade vaults, in buildings or shall be screened as utility yards. Rocky Mountain Power Is opposed to any development code that imposes extraordinary fencing or screening of utility yards. As defined above, such requirements could extend to both electrical substations as well as all operations facilities and storage areas such as the Rexburg Service Center located at 170 West 2nd North in Rexburg. These key areas require a level of security that is diminished by screening that substantially or entirely blocks visibility from outside the fence. Seven -foot chain-link fencing topped with 12" barbed wire is the standard for securing Rocky Mountain Power yards and substations. Chain-link fencing permits immediate visual access for law enforcement and employees, as well as observation by the general public. If the city ultimately decides to impose fencing/screening requirements, we request that adopted standards continue to support the critical need for security. Some examples of adequate screening may include the following: 1. Fence slats — The insertion of slats into existing chain-link fence provides for a balance of security and screening. Although not ideal, some visibility is possible from the outside, especially if law enforcement or employees approach on foot. 2. Vegetation — If sufficient room is available to plant shrubs or bushes In front of standard chain- link fencing, visibility remains unimpaired and a level of aesthetic value is achieved for the community. Although difficult to water and maintain vegetation, this method is preferable to total view obstruction caused by other methods. 3. Wrought -iron —Assuming design permits visibility from the outside, wrought -iron fences can be visually appealing. 4. Precast concrete walls— Some communities like precast concrete walls, while others view them as industrial and unattractive. Such walls are typically taller than chain-link fencing for security purposes. Of course, concrete walls block view of illicit activities conducted within the screened area. Thank you again for Inviting comment on the proposed language. Attached is the Rocky Mountain Power Substation Perimeter and Landscaping Policy for new and expanding substations, which may be helpful. In addition, the following link will take you to the electrical plans for several communities in Utah: https:/Iwww.rockvmountainpower.net/ed/esi/cep.htmi I am happy to discuss the information further or explore other ideas. Rexburg is a critical and valued partner for us. We look forward to building on the excellent relationship established with the city over many ye s.. Sincer Timot L. Solomon Regional Business Manager cc: Mayor Merrill, Scott Johnson Substation Perimeter and Landscaping Policy Background Due to growth in Rocky Mountain Power's service area, expansion of existing and new substations are required to meet increased electrical demand. These substations are located in varied locations, from densely urban zones to rural areas. Permitting of these projects can often be difficult and contentious, primarily due to the visual impact of the substation in the community. Communities work to enhance and improve visual and community "feel" and they accomplish this through effective zoning. Rocky Mountain Power's future substations need to be viewed as a positive contribution to the community. This is accomplished by supplying alternatives that most equitably comply with community zones. This policy sets forth approved fencing and landscaping alternatives that the company may offer to communities to support permitting of these substations. Important note: There may be counties or cities that will require an upgraded perimeter or landscape plan for all zones as a result of ordinances currently in place. In these situations, Rocky Mountain Power and those communities will work together to limit costs where possible. Rocky Mountain Power has existing franchise agreements in place which require the utility to comply with all permitting requirements and ordinances, just as with any other applicant requesting similar permits. However Rocky Mountain Power must not be treated unfairly or held to requirements not asked of other applicants or developers. Substation Perimeter oolicv Constructing a wall around a newly constructed or expanding substation is approved in commercial and residential zones inside city boundaries. Walls may also be approved in light industrial zones on an as needed basis. Chain link fence is approved in industrial zones and in rural areas outside city boundaries. See Table 1 for appropriate applications. Substation walls will be precast concrete walls. Gates will be constructed of decorative steel (as opposed to wrought iron). Pattern and color of the walls will be as directed by the city planning department based upon options listed in Table 1. Walls should require minimal maintenance and adhere to all safety codes. The height for walls will be ten feet to provide sufficient visual screening and be more secure. Fence height will be 7 feet of fabric and three strands of barbed wire for an 8 feet overall height. Other types of construction, such as nonmetallic material, that present equivalent barriers to climbing or other unauthorized entry are permitted. The following table represents a summary of wall and fencing options for a community and application by zone: TABLE 1 Zone Chain Link Fence' Precast Concrete Wall Residential 1 Optional Recommended Commerclal3 Optional Recommended Mixed Use Res/Commercial° Optional Recommended Light Industrial Recommended Optional Industrial Recommended Optional Agriculture s Recommended Optional Rural6 Recommended Optional Non Rural Open Space' Optional Recommended Rural Open Spaces Recommended Not Recommended Specia19 Optional Optional Landscaoine Policv Three types of landscaping options which are currently available. 1. Hardscape- Gravel, asphalt, decorative rock, paving etc 2. Softscape- Non-native Trees, shrubs, grass, continual irrigation and maintenance required 3. Xeriscape - Low watering intensity (waterwise), self sustaining shrubs and trees, native trees, shrubs and grasses The Xeriscape application is recommended whenever shrubbery is required. Softscape is allowed as prescribed by permitting agencies. Softscape application utilizing grass/lawn should be discouraged whenever possible. Decorative landscaping rock may be used with hardscape to improve appearance and meet water wise applications (see Appendix B) Tree caliper, shrubbery sizing shall be such that the plants are expected to reach maturity in seven years. Although not recommended, other types of screening may be approved with chain link fencing. x Inside city/county limits where zone is residential and or situated in or near residential neighborhoods or housing. 3 Inside city/county limits where zone is commercial and retail and office space is in general proximity. Inside city limits with both housing, retail and commercial facilities in general proximity. 5 Low density population, typically outside city limits and land use for agricultural purposes only. 6 Inside Waal city limits. Rural is defined as open country and settlements with fewer than 2,500 residents per the US Census Bureau. r Land use determined to be for minimal development, parks, green space but inside city limits. I Outside city limits, sage brush, wild lands 'Special accommodations, airports, sports complexes, shopping malls. The following table summarizes landscaping options: TABLE 2 Zone Hardscape Xerlscape Softscape Residential Optional Recommended Optional Commercial Optional Recommended Optional Mixed Use Res/Comm Optional Recommended Optional Light Industrial Recommended Optional Not Recommended Industrial Recommended Optional Not Recommended Agriculture Recommended Optional Not Recommended Rural Recommended Optional Not Recommended Non Rural Open Space Optional Recommended Optional Rural Open Space Recommended Optional Not Recommended Special Optional Recommended Optional Application Upon approaching communities, where substation expansion or new construction is required, communities will be provided a summary of options for wall, fence and landscaping designs based on the zone where the substation will be placed. See Appendix A for recommendations including walls and Appendix B for recommendations including fences. The community will choose based upon a series of options provided for the perimeter wall pattern, color or fence and specify landscaping requirements for the property. Landscaping requirements should be based upon existing ordinances and land use requirements. Rocky Mountain Power shall utilize the above tables 1 and 2 as the guideline for preferred options. Should the community approve more stringent or costly options as part of the conditional use permit, Rocky Mountain Power shall review the terms and determine whether or not to 1.) accept the terms and move forward with construction of the project, 2.) return to the planning commission requesting more favorable terms, or 3.) request the community to fund additional costs of improvements that significantly exceed standard design parameters (Examples include enclosing the substation in a building, using block rather than precast concrete walls, and excessive softscape landscaping). Special Note: Xeriscape is preferred due to the low maintenance and water -wise attributes. Rocky Mountain Power shall pay for the maintenance costs for the landscaping. Appendix A Perimeter and Landscape Options Walled Hardscave glow if AL 1 M I L I X113 •y i6" Nlov 4 ski fs �Id � • � •3" 1�`h. 2Yi�C -f 1W.SL�. �w� f{y` k�'1 1i1 S fs •S 1' 3YC�FF ci /r Ns t��`t'• t s-K,S,,k y.�f. f4'T{/��,A_ is 11 t �