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Resources ·
Articles · Shared Utility Easements To Be
Required
Shared Utility Easements To Be Required
May 28, 2004
The
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is planning to amend Chapter 101 of the
Subdivision Ordinance to comply with recent changes to the Code of Virginia
about shared utility easements. Currently, common easements for use by
cable, telephone, gas, and electric companies are optional provisions for
subdivision ordinances. After July 1, 2004, they will be required and
must be designated on the final plat, unless waived by all utility
companies.
Benefits of the shared utility easements include minimizing disturbance of
the property for utility construction, which could save trees and ultimately
reduce utility companies' costs for construction and restoration, as well as
eliminate costs and confusion involved in acquiring separate easements.
However, the changes to the Code of Virginia do not require utility
companies to use the shared easement. Utilities may prefer to install
their lines separately, after construction begins, to be able to route lines
in the most cost-effective manner and to route lines around unforeseen
obstacles such as underground rock.
The
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors will hold hearings on June
3 and June 21 respectively to consider these issues in the amendment of the
Subdivision Ordinance to comply with the changes to the Code of Virginia.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services says the
implementation of shared easements will be problematic and is planning a
three-stage rollout of the new requirements. The background,
explanation, and details of the proposed amendment can be found in
this DPWES Staff Report.
Detailed information about the hearing times and locations is also included.
BC
advises its clients to pay attention to the outcome of these hearings and
the resulting amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance to avoid complications
and confusion in project planning. If you have any questions about
these changes, feel free to give Mike Tucker a call at (703) 449-8100 or
email him at mtucker@bccon.com.
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