Cost to Reroute powerline in Los Angeles?

Question

I am in the process of building a house in Los Angeles, hillside. There is a very high likelihood we need to reroute a powerline that hangs between the two parcels of land I own and planning to build a house on. Has anybody had experience doing this and can give me some ballpark costs for having this done?

I know the city will do it but how much will they charge? I’ve called them and a technician said $20-50k but would like to hear from others.

Michael Gravallese · Answer

@Robin White I would get a topo survey with lot elevations, setbacks and the power line indicated on it, then pay a draftsman a minimal flat rate fee to give you some conceptual drawings of the home, elevations, and a site plan with everything on it, indicating where the power line is now. I’m sure you know the footprint, measurements and the total size of the home you want to build, so it shouldn’t be a big deal. There does not need to be any construction details on these drawings so the cost shouldn’t be too bad.

I had a similar situation in Florida, so I got the survey and there was no recorded easement for the utility lines and pole in the middle of my property, so I used that as an argument with FPL. They ended up moving it very quickly, and best of all, for free. When I first approached them, they pointed me to the construction manager for my area and he told me the same thing as they are telling you. I think they wanted $25k up front to move the line and remove the pole. As usual they try the path of least resistance, so arm yourself with the information you need. Usually the longer the lines have been there, the less of a chance they did the right thing with recorded easements or agreements with property owners as to the placement of those lines.

Good luck!

Will Mace · Answer

I'm in agreement with @Michael Gravallese. If it were me I would by-pass the contractor and engage a Surveyor and CAD draftsmen to create elevations, proposed building footprint, set-backs & easements. It will take a bit of your time gathering the info for the parties but you can do it. I'm working on two developments right now with utility issues....through the many, many calls and correspondence required to keep moving the ball down the field, I remind myself I'm working with people that may not necessarily be on the same timeline as me.....persistence and patience!

Will Mace · Answer

@Robin White Contact the utility that serves your area/parcel and request that you speak to an engineer regarding what you propose. In some cases you may need to submit an application to start a "project" to get into their system. Along with the application the engineer will likely need a Plat or rendering depicting your lot/parcel, adjacent parcels and a diagram/detail of what you are proposing. To mitigate costs of paying an engineer/surveyor to create this you may be able to obtain a parcel map from Planning/Zoning or the Utility directly and then mark it up with what you are proposing. Once they have all of the information they will be able to provide you a "guestimate" of costs. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease....you may need to reach out to them multiple times to get a response.

Best of luck!

Greg Dickerson · Answer

Yes I have relocated power lines. It all depends on type of lines, length, new service, overhead vs underground. The power company will give you an estimate but not a guaranteed price. I wish we could do business that way.

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Robin,

Wow, $20k to $50k is a big spread.

Maybe call them back and ask for a supervisor and then ask that person if they could possibly give you a more accurate number, or explain why there is such a big spread in the cost estimate.

That's my thought on this.

Good Luck!

Robin White · Answer

@Will Mace the city asked me to submit an encroachment application. But to submit the application I need plans that include set backs and elevation height of the house. My contractor wants $15k (1st install) to approve the current draft plans and to provide elevation levels for the house. We agreed on $40k for complete plans through city approval which include engineering work, but I pay for soils and topo map separately.

Thoughts?

Robin White · Answer

@Greg Dickerson can you give me some numbers based on your experience, length, and location? This would not be underground. Maybe 50 yards.

Cost to Reroute powerline in Los Angeles?

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