Xenia amends code to keep private utility mapping data confidential for 20 years

XENIA — The City Council on Feb. 12 approved an amendment to city code to reflect changes in state law that protect private utility mapping data submitted to the city as part of right-of-way administration.

Law Director told council the city enacted right-of-way administration legislation in 2022 requiring utilities to register and submit mapping data; since then state law has changed to treat private utility mapping information provided to the city as not a public record for 20 years. "That mapping data is not a public record, and we do not have to release it for 20 years," the Law Director said, adding the amendment simply incorporates that statutory restriction into the local code.

Staff said the requirement helps contractors and staff understand whether pipes and other infrastructure lie on the left or right side of streets, improving safety and coordination for construction. During the public hearing Thomas Scribe asked how the change interacts with the call-before-you-dig process; staff replied the mapping complements, but does not replace, the existing location/marking procedures — contractors still must call the standard locate service for excavations.

Mayor Reynolds moved for passage of the ordinance; the measure passed by roll call vote.

Council said staff expects the clarification to reassure private utilities that their mapping submissions will be protected consistent with state law, increasing compliance and improving construction communications.