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Council weighs rules on above‑ground telecom pedestals after residents report yard boxes and safety concerns
Summary
Council members and staff discussed options to regulate above‑ground telecommunications equipment (fiber pedestals) after residents reported large boxes placed in yards and near hydrants; staff will research statutory constraints and may return with draft ordinance language and design standards.
Residents and council members raised concerns on Jan. 13 about new telecommunications pedestal boxes that contractors had placed at or near property frontages in several neighborhoods. Speakers said some boxes are large, appear in yards near fire hydrants and can be a nuisance for homeowners.
Councilmembers asked whether the city can require pedestals to be underground or otherwise flush-mounted in the right-of-way. Staff said current right-of-way permitting requires contractors to submit permit information, insurance and contact details, but that the city has not yet identified an ordinance that would permit the city to compel underground installation in all circumstances. Staff said they have asked the Public Utility Commission for guidance on statutory limits to municipal regulation of telecommunications installations.
Speakers described a mix of field conditions that complicate a blanket undergrounding requirement: older parts of town have existing gas, water and electrical lines that make underground work difficult; newer subdivisions without those conflicts have been able to receive underground service. Staff said a workable approach is likely to include three elements: (1) permit requirements and pre-notification to residents, (2) design standards (for underground or flush-mounted vaults where feasible) and (3) an appeal process for special circumstances.
Council asked staff to pursue model ordinance language and guidance from state regulators, and to post permit and project-notification information on the city website so residents know when companies will be working in the right-of-way. Staff said they will return to council with proposed ordinance language and a recommended process for notice and design standards.
