Consider an appeal of the utility line
undergrounding requirement for the
property located at 15503 Cornuta
Avenue
July 13, 2026
Background
•Dec 2023 City received application for new detached ADU project at 15503 Cornuta Avenue
•Project Valuation -$90,000
•Public Works reviewed for BMC requirements for public right -of-way improvements and utility line undergrounding based on valuation •Undergrounding of overhead utility lines was required and noted on Public Works Checklist on January 2024
•Public Works Checklist was sent back to Planning Dept to be incorporated as part of permit issuance
Applicant Waiver Request
•On December 15, 2025, Public Works received a waiver application from the property owner at 15503 Cornuta Avenue
•Basis of waiver was that the cost to meet the undergrounding requirement was greater then 20% of the total project valuation
•Property owner was informed that 20% threshold waiver only applies to public right -of-way improvements (sidewalk, curb /gutter and driveway apron) per §12.08.020 of BMC and that the requirement to underground overhead utility lines is regulated by a different section of the BMC – Chapter 13.28 Underground Utility Lines Required
•Waiver request was denied as it did not meet any of the general exemptions listed under §13.28.020(A) which is the section that governs the undergrounding of overhead utility lines •Following the denial of the waiver application, the property owner a formal letter requesting a waiver of the undergrounding requirement by considered by the City Council per §13.28.020(B) which reads as follows:
“Special Exception. The City Council may waiver or modify the requirements set forth in this chapter.”
Bellflower Municipal Code §13.28.010
For projects over $50,000, a building permit cannot be issued for a property unless all public utility distribution infrastructure (lines, wires or cables for electrical, communications, cable/internet etc.) have been installed underground within the private property.
General Exceptions §13.28.020 A
1.Poles without overhead wires used exclusively for police and fire alarm boxes, traffic control facilities or any similar municipal equipment installed under the supervision of and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer
2.Poles used exclusively for street lighting;
3.Surface mounted transformers, pedestal mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets and concealed ducts in an underground system;
4.The existing main utility line serving as the point of connection is located in excess of 200 linear feet measured from the point of connection to the subject property, except that installation of conduit on private property stubbed out to the public right -of-way shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy;
5.The existing main utility line serving as the point of connection is located in excess of 200 linear feet measured from the point of connection to the subject property, except that installation of conduit on private property stubbed out to the public right -of-way shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy;