This information is provided to promote a better understanding between SDG&E and developers of land. It focuses on SDG&E land uses issues that might affect the entitlement phase of a developer’s project.
The information herein will hopefully answer questions that both developers and property owners typically ask of SDG&E when seeking approval of their projects.
The word “projects” for this page is defined as any proposed land improvement that might conflict with a major SDG&E facility. While this information cannot answer all questions it provides direction as to where to get more information.
In order to minimize delays, SDG&E offers assistance in the early planning stages of a developer’s project. One effective way is for both the developer and SDG&E to discuss a proposed project in its conceptual stage.
Ideally, this would occur before the developer presents his formal development application to the local governmental agency.
The following two steps are advised
Site Assessment Review
The developer should determine constraints that existing or future SDG&E facilities might cause.
A simple way of finding out is to call SDG&E for a site constraint review. All that is required is a map of the property and a current title report.
Project Site Plan And Environmental Document Review
SDG&E should be contacted prior to preparation of site plans grading plans, street improvement plans, drainage plans and environmental documents.
This may eliminate future revisions which can be time consuming and costly to the developer.
The following documents and letters of permission are often required by governmental agencies prior to issuance of development approvals. These documents state that the developer has resolved issues with SDG&E.
The documents are granted by SDG&E for a processing fee to the developer and are described as follows:
Permission to Grade Letter
This letter states that SDG&E has reviewed and approved the developers grading plan.
Land Use Agreement
This document allows for the use of SDG&E’s rights-of-way by the underlying or adjacent fee property owner.
Signature Omission Letter
This letter states that SDG&E has reviewed a proposed subdivision map but does not wish to provide a signature. (Some Cities are asking for the map to be signed to this affect rather than providing a separate letter)
Subdivision and Parcel Map Signatures
SDG&E will provide review and signatures for maps that have acceptable joint use language.
Joint Use Agreement
This document allows for the joint use and occupancy of SDG&E’s easement by other utilities or street dedications.
Public Utility Letter
This letter is usually requested by a property owner, in compliance with a public agency requirement, to vacate a Public Utility Easement.
Permission to Enter Letter
This letter allows temporary use of SDG&E easements and properties.
Quit claim
This document states that SDG&E no longer needs a particular easement.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether an SDG&E transmission facility can be relocated to aid development. The answer is yes, but it can be an expensive and time consuming process.
Relocation of transmission facilities require a number of extra steps not usually encountered with distribution facilities:
Timing
Transmission lines are in constant use. Terminating their use, even temporarily, may not be an option.
Coordination
It’s important to initiate a conceptual review of a proposed relocation early, since the entire relocation process can take up to two years.
California Public Utilities Commission General Order 131D
This order requires an electric utility to obtain a “permit to construct” when relocating transmission facilities. Recognizing that this rule could have an effect on real estate developers, the Commission provided an exemption.
To take advantage of the exemption, the developer should sufficiently address any impacts caused by the relocation in their environmental document as well as the proposed relocation transmission route.
This will ensure that the relocation becomes part of the “Whole Action” when the project is processed.
All projects requiring an environmental document and containing SDG&E facilities or easements need SDG&E’s review and comments.
It is recommended that SDG&E be contacted prior to document preparation for preliminary comments. This will insure that important issues related to SDG&E are addressed and may avoid subsequent re-drafting of the document.
Utility corridors are considered major land features. They cannot be hidden or relocated easily. Instead, developers are seeking ways to utilize and integrate utility corridors in the planning designs.
Conceptual uses of easement corridors and official approvals should be discussed with SDG&E’s Real Estate & Facilities Department.
Examples of acceptable secondary uses
- Open space and wildlife corridors
- Passive recreational parks
- Parking for commercial, retail and office needs
- Utility, industrial and manufacturing service yards
- Bike, walking and hiking trails
Note: No structures of any type are allowed within easement corridors without written permission. Permission, if granted, is revocable.
The responsibility for maintenance of SDG&E’s easement is often a concern e.g., who performs weed control, who maintains drainage structures, etc. The simple answer is that it depends on who owns the property.
If SDG&E owns the property, then it is SDG&E’s responsibility. If it is owned by an individual or private entity and SDG&E only has an easement interest, then it is the responsibility of the property owner.
Site selection for new major SDG&E facilities can be an issue to the local community. SDG&E attempts to address these concerns when siting new electrical substations, gas regulator stations or electric transmission lines.
Land Use Compatibility
SDG&E will seek locations with General Plan and zoning designations of industrial, business, retail and open space. If possible, residential areas will be avoided.
Environmental Concerns
SDG&E will seek locations that minimize impacts to plants and animals.
Financial Considerations
SDG&E will seek locations that consider the costs of land, environmental mitigation, transmission infrastructure, distribution infrastructure, etc.
Community Involvement
SDG&E will work with local government, community planning groups, developers and individual property owners to obtain their input on potential sites or routes of facilities.
Never assume that existing SDG&E properties or transmission corridors are being fully utilized. Most are capable of accommodating additional lines and equipment.
SDG&E’s EMF Center is staffed by individuals who are knowledgeable about magnetic field interference with equipment and the on-going research into questions about the possible health effects of 60-hertz power frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMFs).
SDG&E’s EMF Center is a good resource for information in the early planning stages of a project and provides the following services which can help developers stay informed about the issues:
David S. Siino
Land Services Manager
- 1-858-637-7937
- dsiino@semprautilities.com
8335 Century Park Court, CP11D
San Diego Ca, 92123-1569