Exception Request

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2024-04-16)

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Microsoft Corporation 
Tel 425 882 8080 
One Microsoft Way 
Fax 425 706 7329 
Redmond, WA 98052-6399 
www.microsoft.com 
 
 
 
Microsoft Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 
March 28, 2024 
Jose A. Macias 
El Mirage Senior Planner 
Development Services - Planning & Zoning 
P: 623.876.2996 | E: jmacias@elmirageaz.gov 
Re: Site Plan Application SPA24-02-01 PHX 82 Undergrounding Exemption Request 
Dear Mr. Macias, 
The Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) respectfully requests relief from Zoning Code §152.030, 
which requires the undergrounding of all existing overhead utility lines, including but not limited 
to telephone, cable television, and electric power, except electrical lines exceeding 13 kV 
capacity, either within a proposed development or redevelopment project or within public 
rights-of-way or easements adjacent to the project, prior to issuance of a certificate of 
occupancy. 
Microsoft requests relief from the undergrounding requirement based upon Zoning Code 
Chapter §152.030 (E), which provides relief from the undergrounding requirements, at the 
discretion of City Council under the following conditions: 
(3)   Exemption may be considered when high-voltage powerlines, above 13 kV or similar, would 
remain on the poles after the undergrounding of the lower voltage lines. 
The PHX80 campus is currently fed by an existing overhead 69 kV Arizona Power Service (APS) 
transmission line along Olive Avenue, which enters the PHX80 APS Substation near the 
northeast corner of the PHX80 campus. The existing overhead 69 kV transmission line falls 
within the greater than 13 kV exemption to the Zoning Code §152.030 undergrounding 
requirement. 
Accordingly, Microsoft requests that the exemption be granted for the PHX80 campus within the 
purpose, intent, and objective of the code. Public safety measures will be implemented by APS 
and Microsoft during the continued use of the existing lines. 
 
Sincerely,  
Avery Africa 
Land Development – Sr Program Manager 
P: 360.643.0623 | E: averyafrica@microsoft.com