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Riverwoods adopts updates to right‑of‑way code to address fiber installations and private streets
Summary
On second reading the Village of Riverwoods approved amendments to the right‑of‑way ordinance to better regulate fiber‑optic and other utility work, adding permit requirements, contractor identification, private‑street considerations, phased work approaches and restoration obligations; Trustee Clayton abstained.
The Riverwoods Board approved on second reading an update to the village code governing construction of facilities in rights of way, with new provisions intended to address fiber‑optic installations and similar utility work.
The village attorney presented a revised red‑line draft that retains permit requirements but adds clarity on private streets, requires visible identification for contractor vehicles, and authorizes phased permits and stricter restoration and inspection requirements. The changes aim to give the village tools to manage safety, traffic and restoration concerns while acknowledging that federal and state law may limit outright prohibition of installations.
Trustees debated scope and potential effects on private streets. Trustee Clayton asked for clearer limits to avoid a future board using the provision to force private‑street upgrades; the attorney said the ordinance is targeted to regulate utility installation in rights of way and explicitly preserves private‑owner consent requirements when applicable.
After discussion, the board approved the second reading and adoption by roll call; Trustee Clayton recorded an abstention, and other trustees voted Aye. The attorney said staff may amend the ordinance further if issues arise in practice.
