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Council approves first reading of updated telecommunications right-of-way rules to protect aesthetics, require registrations
Summary
The council approved on first reading an update to the city's telecommunications-in-right-of-way ordinance that requires registration, permits, engineering specs and gives the city more authority over pole design, spacing and removal of abandoned equipment.
The Doral City Council approved on first reading an ordinance (20-25-28) on Aug. 13 updating the city's telecommunications rules for equipment placed in the public right of way.
Councilman (sponsor) introduced the item, noting the city's prior ordinance dated to 2008 and pointing to changes in state law in 2019 and 2022. City Attorney Lorenzo said state statute 337.401 (as referenced in the staff presentation) restricts municipalities from outright banning utility poles for telecommunications but preserves authority to regulate spacing, aesthetics and permit processes if the regulations are codified.
The ordinance requires applicants to register with the city, submit engineered plans and specifications and post bonds at the time of permit. The city will have explicit authority to set distance requirements between poles, require particular pole colors or stealth designs, and revoke permits for noncompliance. The draft also allows the city to remove abandoned equipment from the right of way and provides penalties for violations.
Council members said the update is intended to give the city clearer procedures and stronger aesthetic control over telecom equipment placed in public rights of way. Vice Mayor Morin Porras moved approval on first reading; Councilman Rafael Pinedo seconded. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading (yes votes recorded). Council and staff said they expect to refine design elements between first and second reading.
Staff noted that the ordinance codifies filing and permit requirements and that further work will identify specific aesthetic and structural elements to be required on permits.
