Council introduces ordinance to update underground utilities code, aims to use expiring Rule 20 credits

The Crescent City Council voted Monday to introduce an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 12.28 governing underground utilities, moving the city closer to creating an underground utilities district for Front Street and other downtown blocks and to qualify for expiring California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Rule 20 work credits.

City attorney Martha Rice explained Rule 20 allocates utility work credits to local jurisdictions to underground distribution lines and co-located utilities (phone, cable, internet); Rule 20 credits stopped accumulating in 2023 and must be committed to an active project by June 8, 2025 or they will expire. Rice said the city currently holds 393,942 work credits and Del Norte County holds 2,406,655 credits; the county could transfer credits to the city if it does not plan to use them.

The proposed municipal-code update streamlines the district-creation process, requires the city manager to submit a report before the public hearing that outlines the project area and estimated costs, and authorizes the city council to require that Rule 20 credits also be used to underground service laterals up to the meter, up to a maximum of 100 feet (so property owners would not necessarily bear that cost).

Staff said the Front Street reconstruction and downtown gateway projects — which include streets, sidewalks and new signage — present a timely opportunity to underground distribution lines where feasible. The ordinance was introduced by title only and will return for adoption at a subsequent meeting; staff outlined an expedited schedule to meet the CPUC’s June 8 commitment deadline if the council and county choose to proceed.

The council voted to waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 854 by a unanimous roll call.