Committee Hears Pasadena Water and Power Plans to Beautify Pad-Mounted Transformers Throughout the City

Typical placement of a transformer pad for a multi-family residential building in Pasadena. (City of Pasadena)

The Municipal Services Committee heard plans to amend Pasadena Water and Power’s (PWP) Electric Service Requirements to improve aesthetics and ease accessibility to pad-mounted transformers at multi-family residential and commercial zones in the city.

City Principal Electrical Engineer Said Bernal Mendoza presented PWP’s proposal to the Committee members on Tuesday, October 12.

According to Mendoza, the PWP wants to extend the screening requirements for single-family residential areas to multi-family areas.

The current screening requirement for single-family residential units provides that screening must be done with landscape elements. It must be at least 4 feet high and must fully cover the transformer from the view of the street and sidewalk.

The department is recommending for the multi-family residential areas to follow the same principle.

It also introduces another requirement for multi-family areas which provides that “screening shall not be installed near driveways or intersections that may cause visibility obstructions per city standards.”

The department also recommended that for commercial areas, screening of transformers and outdoor switchgears shall be required only if the transformer is located within the code-required front setback area of the property.

According to Mendoza, transformers located in the rear of the property or facing alleyways will not require screening.

Solid materials may be used for commercial screening provided they allow access, ventilation and proper working clearances.

According to Mendoza, the PWP will publish the new requirements through the PWP website, city website and social media 30 days before making them effective.

The committee did not take any action on the information item presented by PWP.

Committee chair and Vice Mayor Andy Wilson however expressed support to the project and urged the department “to proceed and beautify our city by hiding these pieces of hardware either through landscaping and screening.”