Jefferson County staff outline proposed Chapter 700 utility-code amendments, propose higher permit fee and posting requirements

Jason Jonas, public works staff, told the Jefferson County Council at its work session that the county will introduce amendments to the Utility Code (Chapter 700) to clarify bonding and permit requirements, require on-site posting of permits, and adjust pole setback standards. Jonas said the county plans a public hearing and first reading of the ordinance on April 28.

Jonas said the code update is largely editorial but contains several substantive changes. He told the council the amendments will explicitly require a $5,000 performance bond when applicants pull utility permits, and will add, "a requirement for posting the permit on-site" so residents can verify whether work is permitted. "We do get a lot of questions from residents on whether they are permitted. So that will help, ease some of those concerns," Jonas said.

On pole locations, Jonas described a provision that currently treats relocated existing poles and new pole installations differently. He…