December 21, 2004


SUBJECT:                   2002-0070 – City of
Sunnyvale Study Issue
– In-Lieu Fee for the Undergrounding of Utilities: This study evaluates and asks for direction on a series of alternatives intended to enhance the implementation of the undergrounding of overhead utilities throughout the City.  Alternatives will include consideration of an in-lieu fee, deferral agreements, development fees and the creation of assessment districts.  (Negative Declaration) AM

DISCUSSION

The original intent of this study issue was to review the feasibility and effectiveness of an in-lieu fee for sites that either did not trigger undergrounding requirements or were not feasible for undergrounding due to small piecemeal development. In researching this study, the complications of undergrounding utilities in the City became prominent.  Staff felt that more policy making direction is needed. Therefore, more time is needed to complete the study.

 

On December 13, 2004, the Planning Commission continued the item to January 10, 2005. Staff is requesting that City Council continue this item to February 1, 2005.

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

None with this action.

 

PUBLIC CONTACT

 

Public contact was made through the posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s website, publication of the City Council Agenda in the San Jose Mercury News and the availability of this agenda and the report in the Public Library.

 

ALTERNATIVES

 

1.      Continue the study issue to February 1, 2005

2.      Continue the study issue to another date.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

 

 

Reviewed by:

Robert Paternoster, Director, Community Development Department

Prepared by: Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer and Andy Miner, Project Planner

 

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager

 

Attachments

A.  Planning Commission Minutes of 12/13/04