Section 24-1109. STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND VAULTS

 

1109.1All vaults shall be set back at least ten feet (10') from the curb, and, where two (2) rows of trees are proposed or required, the first level of the building vaults shall be set back at least thirty feet (30') from the curb.

 

1109.2Where the existing building vault is within ten feet (10') of the curb (or within thirty feet (30') of the curb where two (2) rows of trees are required or proposed), the applicant shall be required to abandon and backfill the existing vault with a suitable material solely to the extent necessary for the planting of the trees required by Section 1106.

 

1109.3Utility vaults shall not be within eight feet (8') of a tree location. Utility vaults shall conform to the applicable District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations.

 

1109.4PEPCO equipment serving new construction or substantial rehabilitation shall be located in vaults or on pads on private property; except the Director may approve a different location for a utility vault, pad, or manhole when the following conditions are satisfied:

 

(a)Locating PEPCO equipment in a vault or within or on the roof of a building or on a pad on private property is not feasible;

 

(b)The proposed location for the utility vault shall not be within or under the major pedestrian movement areas;

 

(c)The manhole covers shall be solid and filled with a material the same as or compatible with the adjoining sidewalk;

 

(d)When proposed to be located in a driveway or a public alley, the utility vaults with the solid filled covers shall be capable of withstanding the weight of commercial vehicles, and shall be located to avoid major pedestrian movement areas; and

 

(e)When proposed to be located on the public space between the sidewalk and the property line, the utility vault may be located in this area when the following conditions are fulfilled:

 

(1)The utility vault is incorporated into the landscape design;

 

(2)The utility vault does not interfere with the planting of required trees; and

 

(3)The utility vault cover shall be solid and filled with a material the same as or compatible with the adjoining sidewalk.

 

1109.5Plans submitted for Committee review shall show the depth of cover over building vault projections into public space. There shall be one foot (1') of soil fill between the top of the vault and the bottom of the sidewalk.

 

1109.6Only existing grate covers on Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority utility vaults shall be allowed in public space between the sidewalk and the property line.

 

1109.7Utility vault covers shall be constructed to allow the standard paving material at grade.

 

1109.8When feasible and practical, existing vaults shall conform to the standards set forth in this subsection.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 7117 (September 1, 2000).