Title
Approving a request for a variance to Section DG8.1C of the Engineering Design Guidelines to allow the installation of pole mounted transformers to serve proposed street lights along Swenson Farms Blvd and Pfennig Lane.
Summary
The City of Pflugerville Engineering Department has submitted a variance request for Section DG8.1.C of the Engineering Design Guidelines. Per Section DG8.1.C "All electrical, cable, television, and telephone support equipment (transformers, amplifiers, switching devices, etc.) necessary for underground installations in subdivisions shall be pad mounted or placed underground in a public utility easement rather than a right-of-way". The Engineering Department is requesting that transformers to service the new street lights be allowed to be installed on adjacent existing power poles. Currently there are existing overhead utilities at the Swenson Farms/Pecan Street intersection and along Pfennig Lane from Heatherwilde Blvd to Gazania Drive. All power to service the proposed street lights will be underground. Installation of a pad mounted transformer requires an easement and currently there are no existing Public Utility Easements in the vicinities of the proposed street light locations. Upon approval of the variance, a transformer will be installed on existing poles at Pfennig Lane and the Swenson Farms/Pecan Street intersection and riser down the pole to new underground conduits to provide service to the proposed streetlights.
A vicinity map and street view photos are attached for reference.
Deadline for City Council Action
There is no deadline for City Council action.
Fiscal Impact
None
Staff Recommendation
Staff is recommending approval of the variance request.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, AICP
Assistant City Manager