Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Project Overview
BC Transmission Corporation and BC Hydro 3
Characteristics of Transmission Towers 7
Designing Around Power Lines 9
Power Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses 23
Glossary 29
Frequently Asked Questions 33
Sources & Acknowledgements 35
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

BC Transmission Corporation and BC Hydro
BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) and BC Hydro: “the Utilities”
BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) was established in 2003 as the provincial Crown corporation to focus on planning,
building, operating and maintaining a safe, reliable and cost-effective power grid. Electricity is delivered through an
interconnected system of more than 18,000 kilometres of transmission lines. This includes the management of 20,500 steel
towers, 100,000 wood poles and 287 substations.
BCTC is responsible for operating, planning and maintaining BC Hydro’s high-voltage electric transmission grid, and
BC Hydro retains ownership of the physical assets and the legal tenure for the rights-of-way. As the system asset owner,
BC Hydro acquires certain rights from landowners (including private property owners, First Nations, municipalities and the
provincial and federal Crown) to install, replace, maintain and access works related to the electrical delivery system. For the
transmission system, this is done in response to BCTC requirements. Because both utilities are involved in the management
of the right-of-way they are referred to jointly as “the Utilities”.
Lands under transmission lines and towers
(generally referred to as transmission facilities)
are usually owned by private landowners, while
the Utilities maintain specific rights governing
their use. These lands are called rights-of-way
(ROWs). The ROW agreements restrict owners’
rights to activities that do not impact public
safety, interfere with the operation of the lines,
cause a safety hazard, or interfere with the rights
granted. These agreements also usually allow
the Utilities to construct, maintain and replace
existing facilities, as well as reserve space for
future facilities.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

What is the purpose of this document?
This document aims to promote the successful development of sites crossed by ROWs and the creation of welldesigned
places. It demonstrates that a well-thought-out design approach can:
• Successfully incorporate the Utilities’ ROWs within developments
• Minimize the impact of overhead lines within a quality living environment
• Integrate the growth of BC’s transmission system and communities in an effective way through partnership with
landowners, communities and developers
ROW containing two lines of 500kV transmission towers
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

BC Transmission Corporation and BC Hydro
Who will use this document?
These guidelines are for the use of any individual interested in land
development near transmission facilities.
Property Owners
These guidelines will assist property owners seeking to maximize
use of their land along the Utilities’ ROWs by providing a set of
recommendations for appropriate land use and safety guidelines.
Local Government
These guidelines will promote awareness of the potential to
develop and improve the environmental quality of land close
to transmission ROWs, and pro vide supplementary planning
guidance on the development of ROWs. They also provide a
basis for analyzing and approving land development located
in close proximity to the Utilities’ facilities.
Transmission lines across the City of Vancouver
Developers and Designers
These guidelines will help provide clarity about the design constraints posed by transmission ROWs, along with greater
awareness of the opportunities to improve the environment and therefore the value of the development through good
design.
Communities
This guide is a useful resource for communities planning for growth, because it provides guidelines for the successful
development of land close to high voltage overhead lines and within transmission ROWs.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

BCTC’s transmission system crosses over 75,000 hectares
of land and consists of approximately 18,000 kilometres of
transmission lines, 20,500 steel towers, 100,000 wood poles
and 287 substations.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Characteristics of Transmission Towers
Characteristics of Transmission Towers
Transmission towers and lines they support are the most visible aspect of the Utilities’ infrastructure on the landscape. BCTC
manages a wide variety of towers and lines that deliver electricity across the province. Three common types of towers are
shown below.
138 kV Wishbone Woodpole Structure
230 kV Double Circuit
Aesthetic Steel Pole Structure
500 kV Steel Lattice Structure
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

With effective planning and design,
transmission corridors can benefit landowners
and create better, more aesthetically pleasing communities.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Designing Around Power Lines
Landowners and developers often see proximity to
overhead transmission lines and ROWs as a factor that may
be detrimental to property values. However, with effective
planning and design, transmission corridors can benefit
landowners and create better, more aesthetically pleasing
communities.
The guidelines are meant to assist designers seeking to develop
an integrated design solution to sites crossed by ROWs. When
planning and designing residential, commercial or industrial
activities around ROWs, there are many elements to consider.
It is important to conduct a thorough survey of the site and the
surrounding area with a detailed analysis of the transmission
towers and poles within view of the site before beginning
design. In addition, it is useful to know the rights and
responsibilities of the property owner, as they may be different
for each property.
• A ROW on private property creates
opportunities for individual property owners
to enjoy larger lot sizes with the potential for
large gardens and outdoor spaces
• The use of public ROW corridors for public
amenities such as walking trails, playing
fields and bicycle paths contributes to
attractive communities
• This can increase neighbourhood appeal and
property values
What about Underground Transmission Lines?
Placing transmission lines underground is an alternative to overhead lines, and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
However, undergrounding is an expensive alternative, costing between 10 and 40 times more than overhead towers and
lines. The cost to underground existing lines is the responsibility of the landowner or developer, not BCTC or BC Hydro.
Using the ROW as a public walking path
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Topography
The topography of a development site is an
important design consideration as it can affect the
visual perception of transmission facilities.
Where towers are set in an elevated position and
are viewed from lower ground, the scale and visual
impact of the towers is emphasized. Conversely,
where towers are viewed from an elevated position
the visual impact is reduced.
Towers set across the brow of a hill will be silhouetted
against the sky and will appear more prominent than
towers set in a similarly elevated position but with
rising land or development behind them. Even subtle
level changes across a development site can be of
great importance in this respect. If planning changes
in elevation within the ROW the Utilities must be
contacted as any reduction in the clearance between
the conductor and ground can create a potential
safety risk.
By taking topography into account, the visual effect
of power lines can be mitigated.
Towers are more prominent when placed against the skyline, as in the diagram to the left.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Density
The density of development can play a key role in screening views of the transmission facilities. By placing non-residential
buildings nearest to the transmission facilities, views of the line are screened from most public and residential areas.
Higher density residential buildings close to transmission facilities may create a negative perception to the residents. The
lines may appear closer from the upper floors of a multi-storey building.
It is important to create a harmony between density, align ment, orientation and landscaping in
order to create an aesthetically appealing development.
Alignment & Orientation
When developing new subdivisions and communities, varying the alignment of streets and paths can reduce the
number of views of transmission towers, minimizing their impact and reducing the impression of a linear corridor.
Buildings should be oriented to minimize direct views of towers from residences. This can result in some developments
facing the overhead power lines, rather than the towers. The use of a ‘rectangular’ building block form, oriented
perpendicular or at an angle to the lines, offers the opportunity to minimize direct views towards the transmission facilities,
thereby reducing the visual impact from streets, buildings and gardens. This orientation is best suited for high- and
medium-density developments, usually in the form of apartments and townhomes.
Orienting building blocks parallel to the transmission route could increase the numbers of homes with views of the line
and for higher voltage lines may cause problems with induced currents.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Alignment & Orientation
Buildings that are not square in form provide the opportunity
to be oriented in many ways, avoiding direct views along the
transmission route.
Orienting building blocks parallel to the transmission route
could increase the numbers of homes with views of the line.
Aligning homes between towers, as opposed to against towers along transmission corridors
helps to reduce the visual impact of tower lines.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Alignment & Orientation
Developments adjacent to ROWs can also be left open ended, with the resultant space
used to create public gardens, squares or parking lots.
The orientation of homes parallel to the ROW does
little to minimize the visual impact of the lines from
inside the homes, as in the first diagram.
Locating cul-de-sacs on the edges of the right-of- way
and between towers minimizes the visual
impact of the towers and lines from each single family
dwelling, as in the second diagram.
Residential
Lots
ROW
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Non-linear alignment of streets and roads provides opportunities to
minimize the view of power lines from buildings.
Varying the lot angles and placement of buildings can greatly reduce the visual impacts of transmission lines.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Alignment & Orientation
By curving streets and paths, even with relatively small curves, you can significantly reduce the visual impact of towers.
Views facing towards transmission lines can be oriented some distance from the towers, and can also be framed by new
street scenes and public open spaces, particularly where changes in topography occur.
The arrangement of buildings, boundaries, fences, paths and landscaping in parallel with the transmission route over long
distances will tend to highlight the presence of overhead power lines and the linear nature of the route and will make them
more obtrusive.(Parallel structures to the ROW can also create induced currents). However, where one or more of these
elements is varied and is not parallel, the linearity of the transmission route and its overall prominence can be reduced.
Curved paths should also be angled to avoid ending visually at a tower, as below. This helps to reduce the visual impact of
transmission towers.
Left A street with an end point towards
a transmission tower gives prominence
to the tower.
Right By altering the street pattern, the
visual effect of the tower is minimized.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Distance
Varying the distance of development from transmission facilities is an important design tool. Buildings are not permitted
within the ROW. Adjacent buildings should be kept, as a minimum, at the edge of the ROW, and set back to allow uses not
otherwise permitted to take place within the ROW (e.g. inground swimming pools, greenhouses, garages, etc)
Placing the principal building of a development centrally within a lot, or even set back from the ROW, creates multiple
opportunities for the landowner with fewer restrictions. In a residential development, this creates space for both front and
rear yards. In commercial settings, the area of the lot within the ROW may be used for parking and other amenities.
Setting back residential lots from the ROW reduces the visual impact.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Landscaping & Screening
Landscaping is one of the most effective methods to diffuse
the effects of transmission facilities, while transforming the
space within and adjacent to the ROW into an aesthetically
pleasing amenity to homeowners. Screening can enhance the
quality and intimacy of the immediate setting by creating the
perception that towers have receded into the distance.
Consideration should therefore be given to the use of
screening in layers with varying heights to match site
circumstances. Mature trees planted along streets can
effectively screen views and enhance the residential
environment. Layers of planting create a series of silhouettes
into the distance, creating depth in the field of vision that
helps to reduce the visual impact of the transmission facilities.
In this way, views of towers can be effectively screened
without the need for continuous belts of planting. Views of
towers can be obscured for much of the year in areas where
the branches of mature trees arch over the street.
Appropriate low growing vegetation can be located within
the ROW, while larger species can be planted near the edge
of the ROW. At the edge of the ROW, the species must be
planted far enough from the transmission facilities as not to
pose a threat to the facilities (swaying into the wires, etc).
Street planting can be ‘retro-fitted’ to existing
environments to soften the visual impact of towers
and overhead power lines.
Within the ROW, trees and shrubs generally cannot exceed
3 metres in height at maturity. The use of the ROW for
planting and gardening provides a valuable amenity to
individual landowners or communities, who may use the
ROW as a shared garden. The Utilities would need to be
consulted for such uses of the ROW.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Left In this image, the visual impact of power lines
is very strong, as little attention has been paid to
varied orientation or the use of landscaping to ‘hide’
the towers.
Right This image illustrates how screening and
landscaping can diminish the visual impact of power lines
in residential neighbourhoods.
A combination of curved streets,
rectangular building patterns,
landscaping and screening can
be seen in the example to the
left, while the ROW underneath
the lines has been developed into
community amenities.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Community Amenities Within the ROW
While use of the ROW has some restrictions (as per the statutory right-of-way agreements) the presence of long corridors
of clear, open space provides the opportunity to develop significant private and community amenities. In order to best use
this space, it is important to consider design ideas such as:
• Breaking the transmission route into cells using roads, bridges, etc.
• Developing such cells for uses such as garden squares and parking lots
• Creating meandering paths and varied planting
• Providing a mix of activities beneath and adjacent to the overhead power line
Some examples of compatible uses within the ROW are
outlined in the next section. The process that the Utilities
use to review compatible ROW uses is outlined in a separate
document called Partners in Use, Rights-of-Way Guidelines for
Compatible Uses. Developers should keep in mind that such
uses are site specific and would require prior approval from the
Utilities, on a case-by-case basis.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Playing Fields & Golf Courses
Recreational playing fields may be located within the ROW, subject to the nature of the activity, the layout of playing fields
and the level of supervision. The location and type of lighting used for playing fields within the ROW needs to be reviewed
by the Utilities.
Playing fields located within the ROW.
Left Golf course within the ROW with lines
buried underground.
Right Golf course with overhead lines within the ROW.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Designing Around Power Lines
Nature and Conservation
The retention or creation of nature conservation areas may be particularly suitable where public access to the area is
restricted or prevented. The trails shown follow McLellan Creek and connect to HiKnoll Park nature conservation area in
Sur rey and Brydon Lagoon in the City of Langley. These areas form a part of the Cloverdale and Serpentine Greenway.
Circulation Paths
Active recreation paths, roads, cycle paths and walkways may be
successfully accommodated beneath high voltage overhead lines.
Design efforts should seek to orient the path or trail alignment at least
six metres away from the Utilities’ facilities.
Christmas Tree Farms, Allotments
and Community Orchards
The use of land for allotments and community orchards may be
appropriate subject to maintaining safety, security and operational
clearances which are determined by the Utilities on a site-specific
basis, depending on transmission line voltage and tree species.
Serpentine Greenway, Surrey, BC
Parking
Secondary parking may be accommodated beneath high voltage
overhead lines subject to safety, security and operational concerns being
met. The Utilities need to review any proposed parking area on a sitespecific
basis to ensure safety clearances from vehicles to conductors.
Private Gardens
ROWs on BC Hydro and Crown land adjacent to private land may be
licenced to extend private yards, enabling landowners to develop
gardens and planting patches.
Fish habitat, HiKnoll Park, Surrey, BC
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

CASE STUDY: Plateau Estates, Abbotsford
Plateau Estates in Abbotsford was developed
through a bare land strata agreement. Located alongside
a ROW corridor, the development has created a desirable
residential setting, where the effective placement of houses
and landscaping have mitigated impacts of transmission lines
and structures. The lands within the ROW have been developed
to create a community asset through effective landscaping and
land uses which are compatible with the transmis sion system
and beneficial to the residents.
Careful consideration was given to topography, with homes
being developed at the highest points of the site, wherever
possible. This serves to reduce the prominence of the
transmission facilities and creates an aesthetically pleasing
green space which falls away from the residences to wards the
transmission lines.
The ROW, rather than being divided amongst in dividual homeowners, has been developed as an amenity for
residents of the community. As such, it provides space for open activities, picnics, sports and walking trails. There is
also a tennis court at the edge of the ROW.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses
Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses
When developing and designing land located close to transmission lines and
within ROWs, there are a number of factors related to public safety, facility
security, maintenance and design to consider.
Public Safety
Contact, or near contact, with high voltage equipment is extremely
dangerous and must be avoided. Objects that approach overhead electricity
conductors too closely can cause fatal or severe shocks and burns. In order
to prevent such incidents, minimum safety clearances for all overhead
power lines are prescribed, which must be maintained between conductors
and the ground, trees, buildings, equipment and any other structures, such
as street lighting.
Public safety plays an
important role when
designing around
transmission infrastructure.
It affects not only the general
public, but the Utilities
maintenance staff as well.
The clearance required will depend on the operating voltage of the line, its
construction and design, the topography of the location over which the line
passes and the type of development proposed. The Utilities’ pre-approval is
required when unloading, stacking or moving material underneath conductors
and care should be taken in the construction of buildings or other structures in
the vicinity of an overhead power line.
Generally, buildings located outside of the ROW are safe from any
of these concerns. However, buildings located at or near the edge
of the ROW may face certain impacts from electric field induction.
These impacts can be mitigated if they are better understood at the
time of the land development planning stage.
Nothing should ever be attached to a transmission tower or pole,
whether temporary or permanent. Storage or use of hazardous
materials is not permitted in or near ROWs. This includes anything
flammable, explosive, or corrosive.
Developers and municipalities need to consider emergency access
in the design of their developments where they plan to be adjacent to the right-of-way.
Sufficient access and maneuvering room for emergency equipment and trucks off the ROW, particularly for firefighting
must be maintained. If a development adjacent to a ROW catches fire, firefighters need room to park vehicles, maneuver
ladders, and shoot water from proper angles without putting themselves at risk from the transmission system.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Guidelines for Compatible Uses
The Utilities have classified potential ROW uses as described below, to assist landowners and developers in designing for
ROWs. See the Compatible Use Guidelines for further details:
http://www.bctc.com/the_transmission_system/rights_of_way_prop_rights/
No significant impact
The following uses are considered to have “no
significant impact” and do not require specific
permission from the Utilities:
• General landscaping and residential gardens,
provided there is no change in grade and
vegetation has a maximum height of 3 metres
at maturity
• Grazing of animals and agricultural uses (without
mechanical irrigation systems or metallic fences)
Minor impact
The following uses are considered to have “minor
impact” and should be reviewed by the Utilities prior
to development:
• Tree farms and other multi-year crops
• Hiking and equestrian trails, paths and walkways
• Small garden sheds and storage of nonhazardous
materials
• Non-metallic water and sewer lines, septic fields
Major impact
The following uses are considered to be “major impact” and must be coordinated by the utilities:
• Driveways, access roads, utility crossings
• Parking, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, cemeteries, swimming pools
• Gravel pits, quarries, fill, berms, and retaining walls
• Any activity involving elevation or grade changes more than 0.5 metres
• Sewage disposal fields, detention/retention ponds, watercourse relocation
• Portions of non-habitable buildings (e.g. garages, carports)
• Highways, roads and major pipelines parallel to and/or within the ROW
• Street lamps and other lighting standards
• Any activity involving any type of mechanized equipment (e.g. excavators, bulldozers, irrigation systems)
Refueling within the ROW is not recommended, and in many ROW agreements it is specifically prohibited. In the interest of
safety, users should contact the Utilities before proceeding with these kinds of activities.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses
Maintenance Needs
When transmission lines are built, the poles or towers are placed on sites which
have clear routes to allow maintenance crews to gain access to them. Changing
land use and the expansion of subdivisions cannot be allowed to impede access
to poles or towers.
When planning uses within the ROW, it is important to consider maintenance
requirements. Transmission lines and towers require a minimum of six metres of
clearance on all sides to ensure safe access for maintenance workers.
1. Induced Currents
Landowners and developers should be aware of the potential for nuisance and startle shocks (caused by induced voltage)
that can occur when someone comes in contact with a large conductive object (eg. a vehicle, building or even fencing)
located on or off the right-of-way. These shocks are known as ‘nuisance’ or ‘startle’ since they will not physically hurt
someone, but will be noticed by some people and provoke a startle reaction.
These touch currents occur when a grounded individual touches an ungrounded object while standing in an Electric Field
(e-field). Conductive objects when placed in an e-field attract a charge, and a person touching that object can experience
an annoying or startling shock when a person’s body provides a path to ground for the current to follow.
There are many factors which influence the likelihood of nuisance shocks and the extent that people will notice them.
These include:
• Line voltage
• Conductor to ground clearance
• Size of the vehicle or object
• Location on or off the right of way
• Atmospheric conditions
• Personal physiology
Electric fields emanate from any conductor or wire that carries voltage. Higher line voltages produce higher electric
field strengths. The closer the conductor is to the ground, the higher the field strength beneath it tends to be, and the
increased possibility of shocks.
Larger objects such as a building or a large vehicle have the capability of a larger charge and therefore the shock could be
more noticeable. Backyard metallic objects such as swings, portable grills and lawnmowers have been known to deliver
similar shocks. Ungrounded metal wire fences can also receive sufficient charges to cause nuisance shocks.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

During building construction, workers have also received shocks when installing ungrounded gutters and downspouts on
structures built close to the edge of the right-of-way. Homeowners may also experience shocks when cleaning gutters if
the gutters are not properly grounded. Call the BC Hydro provincial rights-of-way help desk (1-800-667-1517) if you need
advice or want assistance in properly grounding metal objects.
New Construction
To date, no buildings exceeding two storeys in height have been placed immediately at the edge of a 500kV transmission
right-of-way in British Columbia. Such buildings may be subject to electric fields because of their height, length, orientation
and their proximity to the transmission lines. Accordingly, owners or developers should retain a professional consultant
with expertise in calculating electric and magnetic fields, mitigation strategies, and safety issues during construction and
after occupancy. Consultants can advise on the project design and anticipated construction methods.
It’s important to remember that even startle shocks could pose safety issues to construction workers or residents,
depending on the activities in which they are engaged.
Left A low rise residential structure
located at the boundary of the ROW
meets the requirements.
Right A medium rise residential
structure located on the boundary of
the ROW meets the requirements, but
can create induced currents, as the
upper levels of the building are close
to the Utilities’ facilities.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses
Based on past experience, we have found it is important to:
1. Maintain the perpendicular orientation of the buildings with respect to the 500 kV conductors.
2. Bring the electric service to the buildings in from a dedicated distribution transformer with individual feeds kept
perpendicular to the 500 kV conductors (metallic underground services should also be oriented perpendicularly).
3. In all construction projects near 500 kV transmission lines, engage a consultant knowledgeable in the calculation
and management of electric fields.
Top A tall building located at the boundary of the
ROW meets the requirements, however it poses a high
risk of induction as the upper levels of the building are
closer to the Utilities’ facilities.
Bottom An alternative approach to high rise
development that allows for increased density but
mitigates induced currents.
Fences and Metal Clothes Lines
In general, fences can be constructed near transmission lines. However, the following safety precautions should be observed.
• Metal fences should not be attached to any tower or conductive pole
• Metal fences should not be constructed within five metres of any tower or conductive pole of a transmission line
• Metallic objects such as metal clothes lines should not be connected to poles or towers. If lightning or an
electrical flash hits a pole or tower, momentary high currents and voltages could create a risk of electrocution
• Metal fences running parallel to the transmission facilities may need to be grounded at intervals to reduce
nuisance shocks
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

2. Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)
Power frequency (also referred to as extremely low frequency
or ELF) electric and magnetic fields are present everywhere
that electricity flows. All electric wires, and the electrical devices
they supply, such as light bulbs, households appliances, and
computers, are sources of electric and magnetic fields. Scientists
have been researching EMF and possible health effects for more
than 30 years and this extensive research has not established a
link between health risks and EMF. Leading health authorities
say there is no reason to be concerned about exposure levels
in typical Canadian homes and workplaces, regardless of the
proximity to power lines.
Where can I find more
information on EMF?
Refer to the BCTC information sheet on
EMF or search EMF at:
http://www. bctc.com
We realize that, regardless of the view of health authorities,
some individuals have a different view. If people have any
concerns we encourage them to visit the BCTC website and
investigate the issue.
3. Noise from Lines
In calm and dry conditions transmission lines normally make little noise, however, some typical sounds can include:
• a buzzing sound from damp or salt-polluted insulators
• a humming noise from conductors and/or tower steelwork, especially during very windy periods
4. Radio and Television Interference
Radio and television interference can be the result of various electrical appliances or objects. BC Hydro has a guide
to identifying the sources of such interference, and homeowners should contact the BC Hydro provincial rights-ofway
help desk (1-800-667-1517) if they are having reception problems.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Glossary
Glossary
Agreement
An act in law whereby two or more persons declare their consent as to any act or thing to be done.
Cable
Generally refers to an underground “cable” suitably insulated, used for transmitting electricity.
Compatible Use (Secondary Use)
Any use in a right-of-way other than a utility’s use for the transmission of electricity which does not compromise the utility’s
criteria for safety of people, security for its works, and flexibility for maintenance and future works. Examples of compatible
use are golf courses, agricultural grazing land, and Christmas tree farms.
Conductor
Wire strung between poles or towers, used for transmitting electricity.
Crown Land
Property owned or under the jurisdiction of the Provincial or Federal Government.
Distribution
Power lines less than 60 kV.
Easement
An interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use or enjoyment. A statutory right of way
is a form of easement.
Electrostatic Induction
A voltage / current induced in an object due to the electric field surrounding an energized powerline.
Electric and Magnetic Fields
Two distinct forms of energy. Electric fields are created by the presence of voltage in a conductor. They exist around
energized wires, even if equipment is turned off. Magnetic fields are created by current (that is the flow of electrons)
through a conductor. They exist only when equipment is turned on and current is flowing. In short, electric fields are
associated with voltage and magnetic fields are associated with the amount of current being used.
Encroachment
A fixture, such as a pool, a fence, a building or a porch, which is located within a right-of-way that does not have a utility’s
consent or right to be there.
Fee Simple
Full ownership of land subject to existing charges on the registered deed. The owner assumes all relevant obligations (e.g.
payment of taxes, public liability, etc.)
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Glossary (continued)
Field Strength
The strength of an electric field, measured in volts per metre or of a magnetic field measured in gauss.
Hazard Trees
A tree which is defective, has a “target” (where it is likely to hit or damage a person or object when it fails), and has the
imminent potential to fail.
Legal Survey
Requires a field survey and preparation of a plan by a registered certified British Columbia Land Surveyor.
Reliability
With regards to an electric power system, the degree to which the performance of the elements of that system results in
power being delivered to consumers within accepted standards and in the amount desired. A measure of the continuity of
electric service over a long period of time.
Right-of-Way (ROW)
A term to describe limited interests in land which provide the right to utilize the property, for specific purpose(s), without
having full ownership. Limited interests are defined by statutory rights-of-way, lease, licence, permit or letter agreements.
Rights for Access
Construction or Permanent Access
A right granted to enter onto lands outside the statutory right-of-way for the purpose of construction or maintenance
of a utility’s works. Generally, access to towers, poles, guys, etc. is obtained along the statutory right-of-way. However,
in situations where an alternate access is required across vacant Crown land or private property, temporary during
construction and permanent rights for maintenance are obtained through a separate agreement.
System Security
The ability of the bulk power electric system to withstand sudden disturbances such as electric short circuits or
unanticipated loss of system components.
Statutory Right-of-Way
A right belonging to a party to pass over the land of another. A statutory right-of-way is a right granted by statute to
negotiate for easements without a dominant tenement. A limited interest in land is acquired which is registered in the Land
Title Office against the fee simple title. The limited interests obtained through this form of agreement are defined within
the right-of-way document. The owner of the property retains the rights and benefits or ownership. Statutory rights-ofway
are used by utility companies, government agencies, Crown corporations and local governments for the purposes of
constructing linear works such as highways, railways, pipelines, transmission lines, water and sewer lines.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Glossary
Glossary (continued)
Step & Touch Potential
A potential difference or voltage gradient set up in the ground as a result of a fault current. Persons walking would
experience a voltage between their feet (step potential). Persons touching a grounded object with their hands would
experience a voltage between their hands and feet (touch potential).
Substations
Transforming or switching stations to control the voltage and direction of electricity. They reduce the voltage to lower
levels for distribution. Switching controls the direction of electricity and ensures fault protection.
Transmission
Circuits categorized 60 kV and above are referred to as transmission (e.g. 138 kV, 230 kV, 360 kV, 500 kV). Circuits operating at
60 kV are referred to as “subtransmission” and may supply bulk customers directly. In some areas of BC, the sub-transmission
voltage is at 138 kV. 230 kV is the backbone of BC Hydro’s urban transmission system. Overhead lines are usually built on
steel towers or steel poles, although wood poles are common in rural areas. 500 kV is the major bulk transmission voltage.
Overhead lines for 500 kV are only built on steel towers.
Underbuild
When distribution circuits (

For additional information,
please visit our website at
www.bctc.com
or
BC Hydro at www.bchydro.com
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Further Info
Where can I see a copy of my right-of-way Agreement?
Property owners wishing to see a copy of their statutory right-of-way document should contact their local Land Title Office.
More information can be found at: www.ltsa.ca/land-title/land-title-offices/
Where can I find more information about compatible uses for rights-of-way?
You can find more information about ways to implement compatible uses in the document Partners in Use, Rights-of-Way
Guidelines For Compatible Uses, available from www.bctc.com
Who can I consult about developing near a right-of-way or implementing a compatible use?
To learn more about developing near a right-of-way or to consult the Utilities about applying for compatible use, please
contact the BC Hydro Properties Division at:
BC Hydro Properties Division
12th Floor, 333 Dunsmuir St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 5R3
Phone: 1.800.667.1517 or in the Lower Mainland 604.623.3637
Fax: 604.623.3988
Email: properties.helpdesk@bchydro.com
For additional information, please visit our website at www.bctc.com or BC Hydro at www.bchydro.com
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

BCTC graciously acknowledges the assistance of a number of individuals
and sources that have contributed to this document.
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

Sources & Acknowledgements
Sources
Appleyard, Donald, The View from the Road, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1964
BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation, Rights of Way Guidelines for Compatible Use
Jacobs, Allan B, Great Streets, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1993
National Grid UK, Sense of Place: Development for Guidelines Near High Voltage Lines
Transpower New Zealand, Landowners Booklet: General information for landowners and those living, working or playing
near transmission lines
Unwin, Raymond, Town Planning in Practice: An Introduction to the Art of Designing Cities and Suburbs, Princeton
Architectural Press, New York, 1994.
Acknowledgements
BCTC wishes to acknowledge the assistance of a number of individuals that have contributed to this document.
Robert Dykstra, Area Planning & Development, City of Surrey
Ron Hintsche, Senior Planner/Approving Officer, City of Abbotsford
David Walsh, Team Lead – ROW Control, BC Hydro
Mike Prettejohn, Acting Manager, Property Rights Services, BC Hydro
Kim Proudlove, Property Representative, Property Rights Services, BC Hydro
Laura Lee Richard, MCIP, Editor, Planning West, Planning Institute of British Columbia
Hector Pearson, National Grid Transco, UK
National Grid, UK, Sense of Place: Design guidelines for development near high voltage overhead lines.
(the inspiration for these guidelines)
The principal authors of this document are:
Gary Holisko, M.A., MCIP, Manager Land Management Programs, BCTC
Farhad Mawani, consultant
Josh Bassett, consultant
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Guidelines for Development
Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

www.bctc.com
Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper
BCTC 07-58