§ 35.24.1.4. Electric Substation and Switch Station Design Standards.

Standards outlined below require a basic level of architectural variety, compatible scale, and mitigation of negative impacts. Where the following provisions are silent, the regulations of subchapter 13 will apply.

A.

Screening. Screening is required to obstruct, to the greatest extent possible, internal substation or switch station components from view of the public rights-of-way.

1.

Screening wall. A minimum ten-foot masonry wall is required around the perimeter of the substation or switch station to screen the view from public rights-of-way and adjoining properties.

2.

Landscaping.

i.

A minimum ten-foot wide landscape area shall be provided beginning at a distance no greater than ten (10) feet from the required screening wall.

ii.

Three (3) small ornamental trees and fifteen (15) low growing shrubs shall be provided for every thirty (30) linear feet. Required landscaping may be planted in regular intervals or in clusters.

iii.

Landscaping shall not interfere with the physical security of the site pursuant to NERC CIP.

3.

Gates. Gates shall be provided at all entrances. Wrought Iron or similar metal gate shall be permitted for the gate material so long as the gate is not situated directly across from a residence. If the gate is situated directly across from a residence, then it shall be constructed of opaque or semi-opaque material to provide reasonable screening to the interior of the substation or switch station from public view. Chain link material is not permitted in any case.

4.

All screening shall comply with the minimum standards set forth in NERC CIP and NESC. However, to the extent this Ordinance provides a stricter requirements, this Ordinance controls.

B.

Buffering. Buffers are required to minimize potential nuisances such as noise, light, glare, and litter between substations or switch stations and other abutting land uses.

1.

Substations or switch stations abutting any property other than an industrial zoning district, shall provide a twenty-foot planted strip along the common boundary that includes a combination of five (5) evergreen and deciduous trees and thirty (30) shrubs per one hundred (100) linear feet.

2.

Where a buffer and ten-foot landscape area are both required, the buffer shall be provided in lieu of the landscape area.

3.

When located within the Clearance Zones, low growing shrubs and ornamental trees shall be utilized to meet the requirements of this section.

4.

Buffering shall not be required when a substation or switch station abuts property in an industrial zoning district.

C.

Tree Standards. The following standards shall be applicable:

1.

Street Trees. Street trees are required in accordance with Denton Development Code Section 35.13.7.C., as amended. Street lights may be used in lieu of any required street trees provided they are of the same number and spacing required.

2.

Tree Code. Electric substations and switch stations associated with a City Council approved Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) or other City Council approved Master Plan are exempt from requirements indicated in the Denton Development Code Section 35.13.7.A.2.c.v., as amended.

3.

Tree Canopy Coverage. Tree canopy coverage is required in accordance with the Denton Development Code, Section 35.13.7, as amended but shall not be located within the Clearance Zone. In determining the landscape area for the site, only the area located outside the screening wall shall be considered.

D.

Access and Transportation. Access and transportation into and around the site should be provided to minimize the impacts on adjacent properties, intersections, and the overall street system. Access to the site should be carefully considered to limit the number of entrances that allow greater visibility into the site, while simultaneously allowing for adequate maneuvering of trucks and other heavy equipment necessary to construct, operate, and maintain the site. The following access and transportation standards shall be applicable.

1.

Driveways shall be located on the perimeter streets of the lowest classification unless the only reasonable means of providing safe and adequate access to the property, as determined by the City Engineer, is to access a street of higher classification.

2.

Driveways shall be located so as not to be directly across from the front yards of residential structures or uses, unless otherwise agreed to by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee.

3.

Number of Driveways. No more than two (2) driveways shall be located on each perimeter street.

4.

Separation of Driveways. Driveway separation is subject to the Transportation Criteria Manual.

5.

Driveway Materials. Driveways shall be constructed of concrete from the back of edge of the curb to the entrance gate of the site. Gravel is not a permitted driveway material for any driveway outside of the site's perimeter screening wall.

6.

Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be required in accordance with the Denton Development Code, Section 35.20 and the City of Denton Transportation Criteria Manual.

E.

Clearance Zones. A twenty-foot clearance zone around the perimeter screening wall free of climbing aids is required to protect the security and safety of the site. Landscaping may be placed within the Clearance Zone so long as it will not mature to adequate height, if properly maintained, to scale the perimeter wall. The safety clearance to the perimeter screening wall is depicted as follows:

F.

Parking. No parking spaces are required. If provided, parking spaces outside the screening wall shall be screened per Subchapter 35.13.10.C.

G.

Miscellaneous Standards. The following development standards must comply with NESC and/or NERC CIP standards as applicable and as amended:

1.

Height,

2.

Noise,

3.

Voltage Limitations,

4.

Warning Signs,

5.

Lighting,

6.

Internal Illumination,

7.

Vibration,

8.

Electric Interference, and

9.

Other development standards established by NERC CIP as amended.