Edmonds advances broad rewrite of right-of-way rules as utilities push back on technical standards

Edmonds City Council staff held a public hearing Aug. 12 on a comprehensive update to Title 18 of the Edmonds Community Development Code intended to clarify rights-of-way permitting, franchise rules and enforcement. The proposal would require permits for most work in the public right of way, create a new franchise code section, expand enforcement tools and penalties, and increase the city’s ability to require undergrounding of utilities in specified redevelopment scenarios.

City public works leaders said the rewrite is meant to give predictability to residents and utilities while protecting public safety and city-managed pavement. “We want to enhance the City’s ability to effectively manage the right of way in the public interest,” Acting Public Works Director Phil Williams said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The code change would affect how large and small utilities, telecom providers and contractors do routine and capital work in Edmonds’ streets and easements. It also introduces new timelines for franchise negotiations, an 18-month negotiation window (with director extensions), a formal mediation step, and stronger penalties where repeated…