Committee advances ordinance requiring communications infrastructure in new subdivisions

Chair Supervisor Malia Cohen called Item 1, an ordinance amending the subdivision code to require the design of tentative maps and parcel maps to provide for communication services facilities to each parcel. Jess Montejano, legislative aide to Supervisor Mark Farrell, presented on Farrell’s behalf, framing the change as planning for the future and saying, “We view the Internet as a utility on par with water and power service.”

The proposal would add an explicit local requirement — now absent in the city code — for subdividers to include infrastructure that supports internet, video and other communication services as part of new residential and commercial subdivision designs. Montejano told the committee the additional installation cost is minimal and often becomes part of the development budget, and that having the infrastructure in place benefits future residents and businesses.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin raised a technical question about citations in the ordinance that reference state public utilities code sections. After a brief sidebar with Deputy City Attorney John Givner, Peskin proposed adding language to make the local ordinance refer to the state code “as those sections may be amended from time to time” so subsequent state changes would not inadvertently undercut the local requirement. The chair accepted that amendment without objection.

With the amendment incorporated, Supervisor Peskin moved the item to the full Board with a recommendation; the committee accepted the motion and sent the item forward. The committee record indicates the ordinance will return to the full Board for further hearing and action.