東京とうきょう都と 指定してい地域ちいきの宅地たくち開発かいはつで電柱でんちゅう新設しんせつ原則げんそく禁止きんし 条例じょうれい目指めざす方針ほうしん

Tokyo has decided to aim for the enactment of the nation’s first ordinance that, in principle, prohibits the installation of new utility poles on properties when developing new residential land in designated areas, as part of its efforts to eliminate utility poles by burying power lines underground.

The draft outline of the ordinance requires the submission of a plan for removing utility poles, and stipulates that if this is violated, in addition to guidance and recommendations, the names of the businesses will be made public.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting the undergrounding of utility poles initiative, citing concerns that collapsed utility poles could obstruct evacuation during disasters. In 2017, it enacted an ordinance that, in principle, prohibits the installation of new utility poles on roads managed by the city.

On the other hand, in residential areas, many of the roads within the premises are private roads, and the lack of progress in undergrounding utility poles has become an issue. Therefore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to aim for the establishment of an ordinance that, in designated areas, will in principle prohibit the installation of new utility poles within the premises when new residential land is developed.

In the outline of the ordinance that has been revealed this time, it stipulates, for example: requiring the submission of an underground utility pole plan at the stage of applying for development permission; and in cases of violation, in addition to guidance and recommendations, the names of the businesses will be made public, among other measures.

Also, it is expected that most of the 23 wards will be included in the designated area.

If enacted, this would be the first ordinance of its kind in the country. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to soon announce this draft outline, conduct a public comment period, and aims to enact it next year.