Neighbors complain to council about tree, landscaping damage during Ziply fiber work

Multiple Sammamish residents raised concerns in public comment at the Jan. 14 study session about damage they say occurred during recent Ziply fiber construction in neighborhood rights‑of‑way.

Mary North, who lives in Timberline north of Sahalee, told the council crews had “ripped up lawns,” cut through irrigation lines and damaged roots of mature trees while installing fiber. “How does one restore a 100‑year‑old tree?” she asked, urging the city to act quickly because some damage cannot be repaired.

Other residents from Heritage Hills and Timberline echoed North’s account, noting unmarked holes, disrupted landscaping and intermittent notifications from the contractor. One commenter said she had written to Ziply requesting an on‑site meeting and had received no reply since Dec. 3.

Speakers asked the city to use its permitting and right‑of‑way oversight to enforce better notice, require restoration plans and hold contractors accountable for unrepaired damage. Several speakers noted that while utilities have rights to use rights‑of‑way, restoration obligations in permits require remedy and that replacement is not always feasible for historic trees and established plantings.

City staff confirmed the permits allow work in the public right‑of‑way and require restoration; staff noted they had received the emailed concerns and would follow up with the contractor and affected residents about specific repair plans. Council members did not take action at the meeting but acknowledged the public concerns and asked staff to pursue follow up with the contractor and report back.

Residents were urged to continue documenting damage (photos, dates, and locations) and to forward materials to the city so staff can inspect sites and pursue restoration requirements in the permit.