power line to building clearance

BrianGreen

BrianGreen

SSG Brian Green
Joined
Apr 5, 2008
Location
Kings Mountain
To make it short, I am looking at a house that has overhead distribution lines near the back of the property. Does anybody know the standoff distance from the power lines to a shop? I would like to build a shop back there, but the space is gonna be tight. Thanks!


Thinking traditional construction - stud walls with T1-11 or vinyl siding and shingle roof. 10' eave height.
 
I'm no expert but I think you have to check the local setbacks for the lots current zoning and the deed, or property map if there is one. The powerline may have an easement that encroaches on the property also and prohibits permanent structures in the easement.
 
I called the county and they dont have anything to do with that. It is up to the power/utility company. The powerline runs about 10' inside and parallel with the rear property line, so as far as zoning, the powerline would pretty much force me to be within the property line setbacks.

Just really need to know how close I can build to the power line. I know that 10' is the "safe" distance from anyone standing on the roof to the lines.
 
Brian, I think it depends on the type of power line. I know some are 100', others are 30" may be different in your case. Contact the power company and they can tell you, oh, and get it in writing
 
Try going to your counties GIS website and research the propertys address or owner. If it is a subdidvision it probably has a map that shows all of the property lines and easements. You might find it by searching maps for the name of the subdivision or find the easement defined in the deeds meets and bounds or a map refered to in the deed as BOM ( book of maps ) # xxx, pg. xxx. contacting the power co. might help too as said before. If you tell me the address and co. I could try to research it for you to find the deed/maps/easements etc, I used to do that stuff when I surveyed, not familiar w all co's websites though. All utilities have easements stormwater, sewer, gas, elec, etc.
 
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I didn't ask at my place and Progress was here a few weeks back when one of my trees took out the line. I am probably 30' off w my unfinished pole barn
 
Every line is different depending on KV / future KV / Whatever was recorded at time of installation if it is in an easement. All "supposed" to be in an easement as long as it's a transmission line (ending at the last transformer) but sometimes the smaller lines are not and slip through the cracks when they were installed. Services are not easemented. Only the recorded deed will tell you deeded by Duke / Progress / Whoever it may be. Your local GIS if they provide access to deed records. The easement will be deeded and referenced to your property deed if you have that. If you can't access deeds, you can always go talk to to your "Record of Deeds" person.

Building setbacks regulate if the line runs down a Right-of-way like a street. You get that from your zoning reg's from your municipality (again, GIS). There's no set distance for a service line going to a neighbor, as long as it's not a transmission line (there's no transformer hanging from any poles down the line anywhere). Or if it wasn't deeded.
 
If the line is infact serviceing the neighborhood and the poles seem to be on the propertyline it's a good bet an easement extends 10 to 15' onto you property ( 20/30' easement ) so the power co. can access the line w trucks etc, to fix or maintane/replace/repair the service as needed.
 
Me and my neighbor both put our outbuildings under the line just for the fact they never got an easement. Mainly it was just the best place for both of us but it was all family land and when split up, never got an easement. Power company HAS to ask for permission before entering since no easement and they do every 2-3 years. I'll gladly let them come on after permission but I be damned if I'm going to just give the power co. my land without them paying for an easement. I pay them enough every month as is...

Just saying - know your property. There's not 2 alike. Know ALL of your igress and egress's / building setbacks / and municipality zoning restrictions if you are serious about buying and building a shop. Could make difference of shoppie or no shoppie. Properties come with all sorts of surprises sometimes. I know mine did! I know them WELL now.
 
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