Electricity
Power line protection zone: how many metres by voltage
United States
No federal metre table — utility right-of-way (ROW) practice; varies widely.
Distances and rules
The protection zone of an overhead power line is measured from the outer conductors on each side and grows with voltage. Inside it, building and many works need the grid operator’s consent.
Up to 1 kV
4 m on each side
Local rules
6–20 kV
6 m on each side
Local rules
35 kV
10 m on each side
Local rules
110 kV
20 m on each side
Local rules
150–220 kV
27 m on each side
Local rules
330–500 kV
45 m on each side
Local rules
Underground cable
2 m on each side
Local rules
Forbidden inside
Building, storage, planting/felling trees, open fire, earthworks and blasting — without the grid operator’s written consent.
Local rules
Allowed
Passage, driving across and mowing grass.
Local rules
Important limitation
This is a planning aid, not a legal opinion. Before construction, check the local land-use rules, easements, the network/utility operator’s requirements and neighbour buildings.
