Residents warn burying utilities could make small-house projects infeasible
Summary
Public commenters at the Aug. 18 meeting said burying power lines and utility relocations carry high costs — one resident cited a $35,000 estimate to bury lines — and urged the commission to consider those expenses when crafting small-house incentives.
During public comment, residents raised the out-of-pocket cost of burying utility lines as a barrier to small-house and cluster projects. Martha described specific estimates she had seen while investigating lot development. "It was $35,000," she said of one burying estimate, and she noted moving a pole could cost about $13,000. Commenters asked the commission to consider those upfront infrastructure costs when designing incentives so that small-house options remain affordable.
Commissioners acknowledged the point and discussed outreach and education to help property owners understand the costs and options, including possible waivers and whether to require utility burial at all for small-lot developments. The commission did not adopt new utility policy at the meeting but included utility cost considerations among items needing clearer drafting and public explanation.
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