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Council introduces ordinance to grant 10-year nonexclusive fiber franchise to EZ Fiber Texas
Summary
The Kent City Council introduced Ordinance No. 4512 on Jan. 21, 2025, to grant a 10-year nonexclusive franchise to EZ Fiber Texas LLC to install and operate a fiber‑optic network in the city right of way. The ordinance was introduced and will return for adoption on Feb. 4, 2025.
Kent City Council members on Jan. 21 introduced Ordinance No. 4512, a 10-year, nonexclusive franchise agreement with EZ Fiber Texas LLC authorizing the company to install and maintain a fiber‑optic network in the city’s public right of way.
The measure was introduced by motion and passed on a voice vote to move the ordinance to a second hearing and final adoption scheduled for Feb. 4, 2025. Christina Shook, deputy city attorney, said the franchise authorizes EZ Fiber to place facilities in the right of way and sets standards for restoration, relocation for road projects, permitting and bonding.
“The terms are almost identical to the previous fiber franchise that have come before you,” Shook said, adding that federal law requires similar treatment of competing providers and that state law prohibits cities from charging a franchise fee for these types of facilities.
Shook told council staff had negotiated the franchise terms with EZ Fiber over several months and that the company plans to build a fiber network and maintain an office in Kent. A representative from EZ Fiber did not attend the meeting. The introduction will be followed by a second hearing and adoption on Feb. 4, per state law requirements.
The ordinance introduction does not adopt final franchise documents; Shook said final adoption would be subject to terms acceptable to the city attorney.
