Underground Utility Waiver - 2012CITY of CAMPBELL
Community Development Department
August 29, 2012
Kulvinder Banwait
1685 Westmont Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Re: Underground Utility Waiver -File No: PLN2012-179
1685 Westmont Avenue
Dear Mr. Banwait,
Please be advised that the Interim Community Development Director has reviewed your request
to permit overhead utility services in conjunction with the substantial remodel and second story
addition to an existing single-family residence on the above-referenced property in lieu of the
requirement to underground utilities. To summarize, your request is based on the cost of
underground installation compared to overhead installation, location and distance of the nearest
utility pole, and loss of mature landscaping in the rear yard of adjacent private properties
(utilized as screening) where trenching would occur.
Pursuant to Campbell Municipal Code (CMC) Section 21.18.140 (Undergrounding of Utilities),
the Community Development Director shall use the following factors in making a decision
regarding your request:
1. The estimated cost of undergrounding utilities as compared to overhead installation;
2. The location of the nearest aboveground utility service; and,
3. Other pertinent environmental factors.
As such, the Community Development Director evaluated the size and scope of your project, the
location of the nearest utility pole, and potential trench paths across neighboring residential
properties. The Director has determined that the estimated cost of undergrounding of the utilities
is not a factor in the decision as the associated cost is reasonable when evaluated against the cost
of the approved second story addition and major remodel of your existing residence. Although
cost was not a factor in determining the appropriateness of your waiver request, the Director did
find that the location of the utility pole in the rear yard of a private residence and impact to
existing mature landscaping from the necessary trenching through adjacent private property
allowed for a favorable determination. As such, the Community Development Director has
PLN2012-179 1685 Westmont Avenue
Underground Utility Waiver
Page 2 of 2
waived the undergrounding of utilities requirement. Therefore, you may utilize an overhead
utility connection.
If you should have any questions regarding this approval, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(408) 866-2142 or via email at steveh~LCit o~fcampbell.com .
Sincerely,
Steve Prosser
Associate Planner
cc: Paul Kermoyan, Interim Community Development Director
Bill Bruckart, Building Official