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Elko City adopts ordinance to regulate utility occupancy and video service providers
Summary
On May 27 the Elko City Council adopted Ordinance 899 to amend Title A Chapter 2 of the Elko City Code to add video service providers, clarify occupancy of public rights-of-way and easements, and authorize fees consistent with NRS 711.
The Elko City Council adopted Ordinance No. 899 during its May 27 public hearing and second reading, revising the city code that governs utility occupancy of rights-of-way and adding provisions specific to video service providers.
Staff explained the change was intended to address video and internet providers operating in the city and to provide a consistent mechanism for charging allowable fees. A staff member summarized the approach: “This revision was really driven by addressing video providers within ALCO. I’m trying to have a level playing field with other Internet providers, and collecting a fee for the use of our rights of way and or easements.” The ordinance also amends multiple sections of Chapter 2 to add smart-dig requirements and city excavation permit language.
Why it matters: the ordinance provides a local code framework for managing occupancy of public rights-of-way and a legal mechanism to collect fees in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes cited by staff (NRS 711). Staff said they pursued code amendments rather than franchise or license agreements after consulting legal counsel and working with a provider that previously held a franchise agreement.
Council moved and adopted the ordinance by voice vote at the conclusion of the public hearing.
What’s next: implementation will follow with city legal and community development staff, and affected providers will be engaged per the new code provisions.
