§ 14-340. Utilities and electric substations.

(a) Effect on traffic, adjacent properties, etc.

Utilities and electric substations must be designed so that the location of entrances and exits, exterior lighting, service areas, and parking and loading facilities will minimize traffic congestion, pedestrian hazards, and adverse impacts on adjacent properties.

(b) Aboveground structures.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, electric substations and any aboveground utility structures, such as pedestals for cable wire access or other access points for underground infrastructure (communications wiring, fiber optic, etc.):

(1) may not encroach into a required front yard; and

(2) must be screened from any public right-of-way.

(c) Exemptions from setback and screening requirements.

The following are exempt from the setback and screening requirements of subsection (b) of this section:

(1) an above-ground, fully-enclosed transformer, switchgear, regulator, meter, or capacitor that is located in an Industrial Zoning District; and

(2) an above-ground, fully-enclosed transformer, switchgear, regulator, meter, or capacitor that:

(i) is located in a Residential, Office-Residential, Commercial, or TOD Zoning District; and

(ii) does not exceed 7 feet in width, 7 feet in length, or 6 feet in height.

(d) Modifications to electric substations.

On a property where an electric substation has been approved as a conditional use, a modification of the electric substation is allowed without amendment of the conditional use, as long as:

(1) the modification conforms to the bulk and yard regulations of the underlying zoning district;

(2) the modification either:

(i) is located solely within the existing perimeter fence or wall; or

(ii) covers an area beyond the existing perimeter fence or wall that is not more than 10% of the area within the existing perimeter fence or wall;

(3) the modification is located solely on the property governed by the conditional use; and

(4) the electric substation, as so modified, complies with all conditions of the existing conditional use approval other than a condition that restricts the electric substation to the equipment configuration allowed under the existing conditional use approval.