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Council Introduces Nonexclusive 10‑Year Fiber Franchise for Hyper Fiber; Adoption Set for June 17
Summary
Deputy city attorney Kristina Schuck introduced Ordinance 4516 to grant a nonexclusive 10‑year franchise to Hyper Fiber of Washington LLC to install fiber in Kent’s rights-of-way; federal and state law limits city flexibility on terms and fees.
The Kent City Council on June 3 introduced Ordinance No. 4516, which would grant Hyper Fiber of Washington LLC a nonexclusive 10‑year franchise to install and maintain a fiber‑to‑the‑home network in city rights‑of‑way.
Deputy City Attorney Kristina Schuck said federal law requires the city to treat similar fiber providers consistently, so the franchise terms closely mirror prior fiber franchises. She summarized core obligations in the proposed franchise: restoration of the right of way after work, repair or payment for any damage, relocation of facilities to accommodate road projects, and requirements to obtain permits and post bonds.
Schuck told councilmembers that state law prohibits charging a franchise fee for right‑of‑way use in this context and prescribes a two‑meeting adoption process; the ordinance was introduced June 3 and is scheduled for adoption consideration on June 17. Councilwoman Boyse asked whether new providers typically overbuild existing networks; Schuck said that is a business decision by providers.
Council members voted to introduce the ordinance; the item will return on June 17 for formal adoption and any final terms acceptable to the city attorney.
