Staff recommended keeping transformers on private property when feasible and treating right‑of‑way placements as last resort, while warning about underground vault drawbacks. Council members called out the cost burden of transformer upgrades and asked staff to return with investment and equity options in the electrification study.

Zoning staff proposed allowing taller screened ground equipment for existing buildings (30 inches → 6 feet), restricting equipment in setbacks for new buildings, and requiring dedicated exterior space for present and future mechanical equipment; council asked for visuals, clearer thresholds, and examples of administrative approval paths.