Grading. Rights-of-way, easements, and service routes shall be cleared and graded to within 6 inches of final grade by the applicant, including certification by the applicant that the grade has been achieved before the utility will commence construction. The clearing and grading shall be maintained by the applicant during construction by the utility. (Agency note: Applicant is either company or customer.) Change in Grade. If, subsequent to construction, the clearance or grade is changed in such a manner as to require relocation of pipelines or other facilities, the cost of the relocation shall be borne by the applicant or his successor.