<br />July 2025 Findings & Decision of the Planning Director Page 3 of 10 <br />Headwaters Trail Electric Upgrade (SDR 25-1) <br />The proposed project includes two different aspects that require a Standards Review. One is <br />the replacement and relocation of existing wooden utility poles. The other is the installation of <br />new underground utilities within a conservation area. The proposed maintenance of existing <br />infrastructure and new underground utilities is permitted subject to a Standards Review in <br />accordance EC 9.4930(3)(d) and (e). <br /> <br />EC 9.4930(3): Uses Subject to Standards Review Within /WR Conservation Areas. Except as <br />prohibited by subsection (4), or as excepted under subsection (5), within /WR conservation <br />areas, the following uses are permitted, subject to the standards review process beginning <br />with EC 9.8460 in which consistency with the specific standards referenced for each use <br />below shall be used as the criteria for approval. <br />… <br />(d) Maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of utility facilities existing as of <br />November 14, 2005 within /WR conservation areas of Category A, B, C, or D streams <br />or Category A, B, or C wetlands, where such action will involve excavation or ground <br />disturbance within the /WR conservation area of more than 500 square feet, and <br />where the footprint of above – ground facilities will not be expanded. For purposes of <br />this subsection, agencies or entities that manage and maintain utility facilities may <br />make application for individual actions or may submit an application for approval of a <br />maintenance, repair and reconstruction program, such that all activities consistent <br />with the approved program would be deemed consistent with this subsection, and <br />applications for individual actions would not be required. Subject to EC 9.4980 /WR <br />Water Resources Conservation Overlay Zone Development Standards (2) through (5) <br />and to the following additional standards: <br />1. The action is necessary in order to maintain access, maintain or improve <br />safety, maintain proper functioning, or is required by local policies, local, state <br />or federal regulations, or intergovernmental agreements. <br />2. Excavated areas shall be backfilled to the previous grade with existing <br />native soil used for the uppermost 3 feet of backfill whenever possible and in <br />no case less than the uppermost 2 feet of backfill. <br />3. Except for emergency repairs, maintenance, repair and reconstruction of <br />utility facilities shall be planned and timed to minimize adverse impacts to <br />wildlife and habitat within a /WR conservation area. Emergency repairs shall <br />meet the requirements of 9.4930(2)(o). <br />4. Utility agencies and their agents shall use the best feasible technology to <br />pinpoint the location of needed repairs to underground utilities prior to <br />excavation in order to limit the area of impact.