Carencro council reviews proposed excavation permit requiring right-of-way permits for in-city digging

City staff presented a draft excavation ordinance requiring anyone digging in public rights-of-way inside Carencro to obtain a permit and provide contractor and project information to the city.

The proposal, discussed during the council meeting, would require contractors and utilities to notify the city before work begins so the city can identify responsible parties and avoid the delays and extra expense that followed a recent incident in which a contractor hit a sewer line and caused sinkholes. "Thankfully, the company admitted it was theirs and they ended up fixing it," a staff member said while describing the incident; staff said tracing contractors afterward consumed city time and resources.

Supporters said the permit will let the city collect necessary contact and contract information upfront and reduce post‑incident investigation costs. Council members asked how the city would notify frequent contractors and utility companies; staff said the city will contact the main businesses that routinely operate in Carencro and maintain outreach as the list changes.

No motion to adopt the ordinance was made at the meeting; staff said the excavation rule will be on the next meeting agenda and is in council packets for review.

The council did not discuss a final fee schedule or specific application process during the meeting. Staff indicated those operational details will be finalized as the ordinance moves forward.