Underground Utilities below paver patio?

[wallybrau]

I've been working on a raised paver patio design for a couple of months. I've received our HOA approval and am in the process of acquiring the building permit. After having the utilities marked, The only issue is that all three ( cable, phone, electric) cables are cutting diagonally through my backyard (it's new construction) and are running directly underneath the proposed patio. I thought that the purpose of utility easements was to have a place for the utilities to safely lay their cables, so I'm not thrilled to see where the cables have been layed

So my question:

Has anyone set any precedent with building a patio over the cables, any obstacles? suggestions? etc?
-or-
Will I have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new design
-or-
Will I have to have the cables moved ( any ideas of what that would cost?)

Any input would be great.

Thanks...

[Fine Edge]

Depending on the depth, we go right over them. If they're too shallow ( phone, cable ) we'll ask the client to have them moved since they are in the way, then we cut them and splice a temp piece until the utility company can get there.

[Busy Bee]

If they are service cables they can be moved at minimual cost, but if they are main lines it will be very costly. Just spot dig beside the utility markings and find the cables. Catv will be the shallowest while electric should be 3'-4' down. This will allow you to proceede with proper excavation for your patio. Any gas lines should be 5' or deeper.

[wallybrau]

Thanks for the info. The main lines are out in the back of yard in the 10 ft easement area, so they are good. The lines that cut through my yard are the ones going directly to my house. The village is giving me a little grief saying that if there ever is a problem, the utilites will come out and tear up your patio to fix it. Of course they aren't going to tear up a patio that is actually being raised almost 4 feet above ground and will simply lay new cable down around the outside of the patio. The village also said you could pay to have the lines moved now at a cost of $2500 or so, which seems excessive and unneccesary... So I have to convince them to issue me the permit and that I'll take responsibility if there ever is a problem...

[Busy Bee]

Let them say whatever they want. The utility company will not ever tear up a patio for they will have to repair it. If there would ever be a problem they would reroute the cables comming to the house.

[start2finish]

i would not go by busy bee's depth estimates. They may very well be shallower.

here power (220 feed) 22 inches deep
power (high voltage) over 3 feet

gas 30 inches

catv and phone are 1/2 inch or less up to 6 inches

also if there is any way to work it out in your design I would work out a sleeve (1 or 2 inch PVC pipe) under the patio to route cables (lighting or utility) in the future if need be.

[Busy Bee]

There is a depth code for all ulilities.. Depending on where you live it may varry. Now catv is not a utillity it is a luxury and is not under goverment regulations and they do what ever they like. But to spot dig is the miss utility law and if the utilities are missed marked you are not liable for the damage repair. It will also give you the depth as I stated before.