Required right of way widths for new lines are determined considering four primary
parameters: (a) the effective structure width(s), taken as the outboard conductor spacing for
the structure; (b) minimum required spacing between adjacent circuits on separate structures;
(c) the conductor displacement due to wind; and (d) a vegetation management width at the
edges of the ROW to allow for a cyclical growth and periodic trimming schedules. The sum of
the structure widths, any additional circuit spacing dimensions, and the conductor
displacements (including the effects of structure deflection, insulator swing, and conductor
movement), is called the conductor movement envelope (WCME). Adding the appropriate
vegetation management width on each side of WCME gives the minimum ROW width for
purchase. Note that total ROW widths for purchase will be rounded upward to the next whole
5’ increment (e.g., 161’ is rounded to 165’.) These four parameters are illustrated for typical
ROW situations in figures 6.3.4-1 & 6.3.4-2.
W CME W CME W CME
ws CL
ws
C
L
CL
WVM WVM WVM WVM
WVM WVM
ws=0
W ROW, ROW W ROW, ROW W ROW, ROW
width for Purchase width for width for
Purchase Purchase
(a) H-Frame (b) Monopole Delta (c) Monopole Vertical
Figure 6.3.4.1-1, Typical Single Structure ROW
Notes: w s = Effective Structure Width (Outboard Conductor Spacing)
WVM = Vegetation Management Width
W CME = Width, Conductor Movement Envelope
W CME
W CME
ws ws
C
L C
L
ws ws
CL CL
WVM WVM
WVM WVM
W C-C W C-C
W ROW, ROW W ROW, ROW
width for Purchase width for Purchase
(a) H-Frame (b) Monopole Delta
W CME
C
L C
L
Add Width = c/c Spacing
WVM WVM
w s= 0 ws=0
W C-C
W ROW, ROW
width for
Purchase
(c) Monopole Vertical
Figure 6.3.4.1-2, Typical Double Structure ROW
Notes: w s = Effective Structure Width (Outboard Conductor Spacing)
WVM = Vegetation Management Width
W CME = Width, Conductor Movement Envelope
W c-c = Center to Center Structure Spacing
6.3.4.1 (a) Effective Structure Width (ws) or Outboard Conductor Spacing
Except where special circumstances warrant use of larger values, the ROW widths for new
construction shall be based on the effective structure widths (ws) for standard structure
framings as given in Table 6.3.4-1.
Table 6.3.4-1 Typical Effective Structure Widths
Single Pole
Delta/ Vert. Single
H- Double Circuit
frames Circuit Vertical
Voltage (ft.) (ft.) (ft.)
500 kV 67.66 28.00 0.00
345 kV 51.00 24.00 0.00
230 kV 40.00 18.00 0.00
161/138/115 kV 32.00 14.33 0.00
69 kV 24.00 12.00 0.00
Note that for vertical conductor configurations the conductors fall on the centerline of the
circuit/ROW and the monopole structure itself is offset by a function of the insulator length. In
this configuration there are no outboard conductors, and the effective width of the structure is
essentially zero.
Where determining ROW requirements for constructing a new transmission line adjacent to an
existing transmission line (discussed in more detail later) the actual effective widths of the
existing structure may be determined and used.
6.3.4.1 (b) Adjacent Circuit Separation (Wc-c)
Distances for Circuit Separation are largely obtained by past practice and are generally values
demonstrated to allow maintenance and construction without undue constraints on equipment
or the creation of safety issues due to insufficient approach distances. In the case of the 345
kV and 500 kV structures, the spacing was derived from Construction’s request to have 40’ of
clear space between the tips of the structures. For the lower voltages, the basis for the
numbers themselves has not been recorded. Circuit center to center horizontal spacing for
ROW determination shall be as given in Table 6.3.4-2 unless circumstances arise justifying a
higher value.
Table 6.3.4-2 Minimum Spacing for Adjacent Circuits (Wc-c)
Single Pole
Single
H- Delta/ Vert. Circuit
frames Double Circuit Vertical
Voltage (ft.) (ft.) (ft.)
500 kV 140 96 70
345 kV 120 65 45
230 kV 75 50 35
161/138/115 kV 60 40 30
69 kV 45 30 20
Note that for 345 kV and 500 kV the distances specified for adjacent single pole circuits reflect
geometrical limits only. Electrical effects (audible noise, EMF, etc.) will have to be studied, and
may require additional separation. Also note that for consideration of two adjacent circuits of
different voltage or framing, the larger of the two required separation distances shall be used.
6.3.4.1 (c) Displaced Conductor Position (WCD)
During detailed line design, the displaced conductor positions are calculated including the
effects of structure deflection and insulator/hardware swing; and using the load cases
contained in Section 5. Wind loads are applied transversely in each direction to displace the
conductor away from the centerline as illustrated below.
WCME
WCD ws WCD
Wind Wind
from from
Right Left
Some Insulators not
shown in deflected
views for clarity.
CL
Figure 6.3.4.1-3, Displaced Conductor Position & Relationship to WCME and ws
Notes: w s = Effective Structure Width (Outboard Conductor Spacing)
W CME = Width, Conductor Movement Envelope
W CD = Displaced Conductor Position Including Structure Deflection
In addition to checking required Horizontal clearances per 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, the displace
conductor position shall stay within the available conductor movement envelope under the
extreme wind case described in 5.6.3. As part of the line design, adjustment of pole
placements and span lengths may be required to maintain clearances and keep the conductor
within the available width.
The available CME widths in Tables 6.3.4-4 & 6.3.4-5 accommodate standard framings, typical
spans, the current list of typical conductors and their specified stringing limits, etc. Markedly
atypical designs may require a more rigorous evaluation of the ROW requirements.
Conversely, severe ROW restrictions will likely require atypical design such as shortened
spans.
Note that all tabulated values consider the use of V-string assemblies, braced-post
assemblies, suspension units with struts, or other configurations where insulator swing is
confined.
6.3.4.1 (d) Vegetation Management Width (WVM)
It is assumed that trees grow or someday will grow at the edge of the ROW, and that normal
growth cycles will result in further encroachment into the Vegetation Management Width.
Therefore, CME alone is insufficient as a ROW. Vegetation management in the area adjacent
to ROW edges is required to prevent grow-in and to comply with the Minimum Vegetation
Clearance Distance (MVCD see also definitions) as specified in FAC-003-3 and redacted
Procedure redacted . Thus, additional width between the ROW edge and the outboard
conductors is essential to allow planned, efficient vegetation management without violating the
MCVD. To accomplish this Asset Management establishes a Minimum Vegetation Action
Threshold Distance (MVATD) for prioritizing corrective maintenance.
The Vegetation Management Width (WVM) to be used when determining ROW width shall
bound the MVATD and MVCD, and is tabulated below (values for MVATD and MVCD from
redacted are provided for reference):
Table 6.3.4-3 – Vegetation Management Widths
WVM MVATD MVCD
Voltage (ft.) (ft.) (ft.)
500 kV 22.5 14.68 7.4
345 kV 15.0 9.44 4.5
230 kV 12.5 5.14 4.3
161/138/115
kV 10 3.42 / 2.94 / 2.45 2.9 / 2.4 / 2.0
69 kV 7.5 2.45 1.2
Note that a vegetation management width is assigned to 69 kV values as well, although 69 kV
lines are not currently considered by NERC to be part of the bulk electric supply system, and
are not mandated to follow the same reliability standards. Also note that where a circuit is to
Very long spans over rivers, lakes or mountain valleys may involve conductor movement
envelope widths for the high wind case that exceed the width to be purchased. These
situations involve spanning areas where no trees grow, where development is not permitted or
possible, or the maximum conductor sag is higher than maximum vegetation growth. The 6 psf
medium wind (NESC 234A2) case can be used to determine the right of way clearance
requirements for these atypical spans, taking into consideration the vegetation management
width that includes the WVM, but the width purchased should not be less than the right of way
width for the remainder of the line.
