The location, surrounding open space, limited access points, and terrain of Laguna make it one of the most vulnerable cities in California when it comes to wildfires and other natural disasters.  In addition, many properties within Laguna Beach enjoy views of the ocean or the open space areas but the views are impacted by overhead utility lines.   As such, the City of Laguna Beach is supportive of utility undergrounding projects that provide safety, reliability, and aesthetic benefits to the community. 

The City, in partnership with residents, Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), has done extensive work over the past decade to expedite moving dangerous and obstructive overhead utility wires underground.  The City continues to identify projects to promote the undergrounding of utility lines to mitigate the threat of wildfires, improve critical evacuation routes, and improve service reliability, and neighborhood aesthetics throughout the community.

Utility Undergrounding Methods

There are generally three methods to undergrounding utilities:

1. Rule 20A – The City collaborates with the utility companies to underground overhead facilities that provide the greatest benefit to the general public.  These projects are funded through annually allocated credits provided by the utility companies.
2. Rule 20B – A project that is developed and funded by the City. Alternatively, property owners within a specific area vote to form an Assessment District to underground facilities within their neighborhood.
3. Rule 20C – Property owners work directly with the utility companies to privately underground facilities adjacent to their property.  The City generally does not participate in this type of project since it is typically funded and managed by one or more property owners.  However, the project design must be submitted to the Community Development Department for Design Review, construction requires a Public Works permit, and the conversion of individual meters to underground service requires electrical permits from the City’s Building Division.

Each method listed above provides a mechanism for financing and implementing the underground projects. Utility undergrounding is a lengthy process and can take four to six years to complete depending on the number of active projects, coordination with the utility companies, and the level of support from affected residents.

Click here for more information on creating an Assessment District.