Office of Utilities
Questions
- How do I get a permit?
- Why do utilities occupy the public right-of-way?
- Who do I call with complaints about utilities?
- What is the ten page estimate form?
- When is the next quarterly utility meeting?
- What is the overhead clearance requirements for utilities
over roadways?
How do I get a permit ?
As of July 1, 2006 the Departments permitting procedure for all utility permit
applications statewide will be via the Georgia Utility Permitting System,
also known as “GUPS”. “GUPS” is a totally electronic
web-based system which allows Utility Owners and Operators the ability to
transfer online a completed permit application package to the Department for
review. The Department will no longer accept the current application process,
which consists of paper copies sent to the appropriate District Utilities
Office. For procedures information on GUPS please reference the Resource
page.
Why do utilities occupy the public right-of-way?
The Code of Federal Regulations state in part "Pursuant to the provisions
of 23 CFR 1.23, it is in the public interest for utility facilities to
be accomodated on the right-of-way of a Federal highway project when such
use and occupancy of the highway right-of-way do not adversely affect highway
or traffic safety...", a link to a full reading of the code is available
on the Resources page.
Who do I call with complaints about utilities?
The Department of Transportation regulates utility companies use of the public
right-of-way. Contact the appropriate District
Utilities Office for concerns of this nature. The DOT does not regulate
utility companies interaction with the public. We do have dealings with Utility
companies on a regular basis. We recommend that you try to deal directly with
a Utility company first to resolve any problems. If that does not work the Public
Service Commission is a State elected body which has jurisdiction over Utility
companies rates and may get involved in conflict resolution.
What is the ten page estimate form ?
This is the form the Georgia DOT uses to reimburse eligible utility companies
for relocations costs on DOT projects. An editable version will be
added to the Resources page soon.
When is the next quarterly utility meeting ?
A schedule of quarterly meeting dates by
District is located under the Resources
page.
What is the overhead clearance requirements for utilities over roadways?
The minimum clearance requirements is not really one number. It
depends upon the anticipated sag, type of wire, and the code requirements
at the time the initial facility was installed. The current National
Electrical Safety Code requires a minimum 15.5 ft vertical clearance over
roadways, but normally the line will need to be higher to cover ice loading,
etc. We consider 18 feet to be desirable but it is up to the utility
company to do the calculations and set it at the right height. The National
Electric Safety Code is published by IEEE,
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
Friday June 16 2006