A Vision For Unobstructed Views in LBH
Palm Springs Underground Utility District
Overhead power lines are a leading cause of wind-driven wildfires – like those that have devastated parts of Los Angeles. They’re also prone to outages and detract from the appearance of our neighborhood.
The Palm Springs City Council recently passed an ordinance that empowers neighborhoods like ours to take the lead on undergrounding utilities. But, moving forward requires significant community interest and the expense is borne by homeowners.
The information provided below provides background information about this available opportunity. Informational meetings will be forthcoming to discuss this idea and determine interest.
Please note that 60% of homeowners (i.e. 51 of the 84 single family homes) would need to approve the project in order to proceed.
Benefits of Undergrounding
Fire Safety
Power Reliability
Power Reliability
Reduces risk of wildfire ignition during high winds
Power Reliability
Power Reliability
Power Reliability
Fewer outages from storms, wind, or accidents
Property Value
Property Value
Property Value
Studies show undergrounding can increase values by 5-20%.
Curb Appeal
Property Value
Property Value
No more poles, wires, or transformers cluttering our views
Project Timeline
This process is expected to TAKE three to FIVE years.
Phase I: Exploratory Phase
- LBHNO Board forms Utility Committee.
- City and Utility Committee contacts utilities for detailed district maps.
- Utility Committee conducts outreach, education, and an initial survey to inform and refine proposed district boundaries.
- Utility Committee submits Letter of Interest (with preliminary boundaries + 60% signatures).
- LBHNO raises $25,000–$50,000 to fund Petition Phase costs (consultants, preliminary financial/assessment work).
Phase II: Petition Phase
- City retains consultant team (Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, Assessment Engineer).
- Consultants prepare the formal petition with approximate parcel assessments.
- Petition circulated to property owners. Requires 60% signatures to advance.
- Focus is financial/legal/assessment groundwork, not full design.
- Funds must be secured for Phase III which covers design and engineering report. It’s not clear whether the City will bridge this expense to the bond issuance.
Phase III: Assessment District Formation & Formal Vote
- City Council adopts resolution of initiation.
- Assessment Engineer prepares Engineer’s Report (benefits, costs, contingencies).
- Ballots mailed to property owners under Prop 218.
- If approved by majority (50% + 1 weighted by assessment) → district is formally created.
Phase IV: Assessment & Payment Phase
- Property owners select payment option:
- Full payment within 30 days, OR
- Bond financing (added to property tax bills over 15–30 years).
- After ballot approval, detailed design begins:
- Base mapping
- SCE electrical design
- Telecom/cable design
- Design takes 12-18 months.
Phase V: Construction Phase
- Bonds issued, project bid, and construction begins.
- Construction timeline: 12–18 months.
- Private property conversions occur at the end.