Jacksonville adopts right-of-way management ordinance to regulate utility work and network nodes

The Jacksonville City Council adopted an ordinance creating a right-of-way management program that establishes registration and permitting requirements, construction and maintenance standards, and removal rules for infrastructure placed in city rights-of-way.

City staff said the ordinance is intended to make clearer who is working in the right-of-way, require registries and permits before work begins, and set standards for removal of abandoned infrastructure and compliance with the city design manual. The ordinance also addresses the siting and design of network nodes and node support poles tied to wireless and broadband technology, noting those structures may appear on lamp posts, water towers and other aboveground infrastructure.

Staff recounted past incidents where underground bores damaged sewer lines and a previous incident that cut a 24'inch main, causing a boil-water notice. The ordinance seeks to ensure there is a clearly identified prime contractor and contact information to address damage during or after construction.

Councilman Tim McRae moved to pass the ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff said the ordinance was reviewed exhaustively during a prior workshop and is designed to reduce infrastructure risk and clarify accountability for private utility and broadband work in the city's rights-of-way.