§ 165-77. Public utilities.

All public services shall be connected to approved public utilities systems where they exist.

A. 

The distribution supply lines and service connections shall be installed underground, except that lots which abut streets with existing overhead electric or telephone distribution supply lines and service connections may be supplied with electric and telephone service from those overhead lines, but the service connections shall be installed underground. In the case of existing overhead utilities, should a road widening or an extension of service or other such condition occur as a result of the development and necessitate the replacement, relocation or extension of such utilities, such replacement, relocation or extension shall be underground.

B. 

The developer shall submit to the approving authority, prior to final approval, a written instrument from each serving utility indicating full compliance or intended full compliance with the provisions of this section.

C. 

Where natural foliage is not sufficient to provide year-round screening of any utility apparatus appearing above the surface of the ground, other than utility poles, the applicant shall provide sufficient live screening to conceal such apparatus year round.

D. 

On any lot where soil conditions, rock formations, woods or other special conditions exist and the developer deems it a hardship to comply with the provisions of this section, the developer may apply to the approving authority for an exception from the terms of this section. Where overhead lines are permitted as the exception, the alignments and pole locations shall be routed to avoid locations along horizons, avoid the clearing of swaths through treed areas by selective cutting, and a staggered alignment, by planting trees in open areas at key locations to minimize the views of the poles and alignments, by following rear lot lines and other interior locations, and similar design and location considerations to lessen the visual impact of overhead lines.