Application for determination of right-of-way width.

A. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, no person shall begin the construction of any transmission line requiring a width for right of way of greater than one hundred feet without first obtaining from the commission a determination of the necessary right- of-way width to construct and maintain the transmission line. For the purposes of this subsection, "construction" does not include acquisition of rights of way, preparation of surveys or ordering of equipment. B. For the purposes of this section, "transmission line" means any electric transmission line and associated facilities requiring a width for right of way of greater than one hundred feet. C. Application for the right-of-way width determination shall contain all information required by the commission to make its determination, be made in writing, setting forth the facts involved, and be filed with the commission. D. The applicant shall cause notice of the time and place of hearing on the application for the right-of-way determination to be given to any owner of property proposed to be taken and, if applicable, to the person in actual occupancy of the property. Notice shall be given by mailing a copy by ordinary first class mail at least twenty days before the time set for hearing. Proof of the giving of notice shall be made on or before the hearing and filed in the proceeding. E. The commission shall, after public hearing, act upon the application. F. The commission shall issue its order granting or denying the application within six months from the date the application is filed with the commission. Failure to issue its order within six months is deemed to be approval of the application.