City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter governs the placement, relocation, removal, and replacement of utility poles (telegraph, telephone, electric light, or otherwise) on city streets and highways, and the permitting process for erecting poles or running wires or laying pipes on public streets, lanes, or alleys.

Who this affects

Utility companies and other persons or incorporated companies that erect poles, string wires, or lay pipes in the city's streets, lanes, or alleys, as well as anyone who might otherwise post bills or notices on utility poles.

Key rules

• Pole location, relocation, removal, and replacement is determined by the Director of Streets and Public Improvements.
• Poles must be placed on the curbline or along the building line, in line with property dividing lines wherever possible.
• Poles must be placed to cause the least possible obstruction and injury to curbs, sidewalks, and trees, and must not unnecessarily obstruct portions of private property fronts in lawful use.
• When placed on the curbline, the outside line of poles must align with the outside line of the curbstones, unless the pavement exceeds eight (8) feet in width, in which case poles go inside the curbline against the curb, with curbstones cut to uniform thickness to rest against the poles.
• When placed along the building line, poles must be free and clear of building walls, though unauthorized encroachments over the building line may be removed if they interfere with pole placement.
• Each company's secretary must furnish the City Clerk a list of all poles in the city, in use and not in use, within thirty (30) days of a demand by the City Clerk.
• Anyone wanting to erect poles, run wires, or lay/alter/inspect/repair pipes in streets, lanes, or alleys to furnish electric light to the public must apply in writing to the Director of Streets and Public Improvements.
• The city may use and occupy any poles or pipes erected under a permit for police or fire alarm systems, free of charge.
• Permits are nonexclusive and not perpetual; the city can require poles, wires, pipes, or other devices to be changed, altered, relocated, or removed at any time for public travel protection, convenience, safety, or welfare.
• No bills, posters, or notices of any kind may be posted on utility poles.

Penalties

Any person, firm, or corporation who violates this chapter "shall be subject to a fine not exceeding six hundred dollars ($600.), plus costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment of said fine or costs, shall be subject to a term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days."

Notable and archaic details

• The chapter's original enactment dates to 1966 and its language and dollar figures for fines reflect that era.
• It contains a specific engineering rule for curbline poles tied to pavement width: pavement over eight (8) feet wide changes where and how the pole is set against the curb.