Round Rock adopts microtrenching ordinance to regulate in-street fiber installations

The council adopted a new ordinance establishing microtrenching requirements for dry-utility installations in public rights of way. Staff explained the city began microtrenching about a year and a half ago but had not formalized standards; the ordinance lays out permitting procedures, installation depth limits, and liability expectations.

Under the adopted rules, the city will allow one microtrench under the street on each side at the concrete gutter lip and specifies minimum depth: 10 inches for local streets and 12 inches for collectors and arterials. Permits will require submittal of plans; once issued vendors have a 90-day window to complete the work. The ordinance prohibits microtrenching of brand-new streets and makes the installing companies responsible for failures and for repairing fiber if city work later damages the installation.

Staff said the process will be managed through existing right-of-way permitting and that the city has ongoing coordination with dry-utility companies. Councilmember Fleming asked whether the city would continue internal discussion about allowing additional trenching in some cases; staff said the ordinance is intended as a cautious first step and that council could consider amendments later if needed. The ordinance was adopted on second reading.