Cost to Reroute powerline in Los Angeles?

[Robin White]

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]

@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!