III. Public Utilities (PU) Code Requires Overhead Conductors Along Scenic Highways to be Placed Underground if Disturbed

The Commission administers Section 320 of the Public Utilities (PU) Code requiring undergrounding of utility facilities along state-designed Scenic Highways, and accepts letter requests for deviations. After hearings conducted in Case 9364, Commission Decision (D) 80864 implemented the State Legislation. D.80864 stipulates that no communications or electric utility shall install overhead distribution facilities "in proximity to" and "visible from" any designated Scenic Highway in California unless a showing is made before the Commission and a finding made by the Commission that undergrounding would not be feasible or would be inconsistent with sound environmental planning. The Decision also defines "in proximity to" as being within 1,000 feet from each edge of the right-of-way of designated State Scenic Highways.