199—11.3(478) Route selection. The planning for a route that is the subject of a petition for franchise shall begin with routes that are near and parallel to roads, railroad rights-of-way, or division lines of land, according to the government survey, consistent with the provisions of Iowa Code section 478.18(2).
	11.3(1) Where deviations allowed. Where a route planned near and parallel to roads, railroad rights-of-way, or division lines of land would contain segments making transmission line construction not practicable and reasonable, generally for engineering reasons, route deviation(s) may be proposed and accompanied by a proper evidentiary showing that the initial route or routes examined did not meet practicable and reasonable standards pursuant to Iowa Code section 478.18(2). Deviations based on landowner preference or those that minimize interference with land may be permissible; however, the electric company must demonstrate that route planning began with a route or routes located near and parallel to roads, railroad rights-of-way, or division lines of land.
	11.3(2) Distance from buildings. No transmission line shall be constructed outside of cities, except by agreement, within 100 feet of any dwelling, house or other building, except where the transmission line crosses or passes along a public highway or is located alongside or parallel with the right-of-way of any railroad company, consistent with the provisions of Iowa Code section 478.20. Construction of a new building within 100 feet of an existing transmission line shall be construed as “agreement” within the meaning of Iowa Code section 478.20.
	11.3(3) Railroad crossings. Where these rules call for the consent or other showing of right from a railroad for a railroad crossing, an affidavit filed by an electric company which states that proper application for approval of the railroad crossing has been made, that a one-time crossing fee has been paid as provided for in rule 199—42.3(476), and that 35 days have passed since mailing of the application and payment with no claim of special circumstance or objection from the railroad will be accepted as a showing of consent for the crossing.
[ARC 5121C, IAB 7/29/20, effective 9/2/20]