Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way Repairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hickory Council unanimously approves tighter rules for work in city rights-of-way
Summary
The Hickory City Council on March 3 approved amendments to Chapter 29, Article 3 of the city code to require companies doing work in rights-of-way to obtain permits, avoid above-ground obstructions, and repair damage to pavement, sidewalks and other infrastructure; the vote was unanimous.
The Hickory City Council unanimously approved amendments to the city code (Chapter 29, Article 3) on March 3 that expand permit and repair requirements for companies working in public rights-of-way, including rules intended to prevent and fix above-ground obstructions on sidewalks and curbs.
City staff said the changes close a gap the council identified after earlier ordinance work focused on below-ground excavation. "After we brought that before you and you all considered it and passed that ordinance amendment, we started to realize that... what do we have for above ground?" said Tim, a city staff member who presented the changes. He said the revision would require permits for right-of-way work and oblige companies to perform repairs in accordance with the city's engineering manual.
A council member who introduced the item summarized the aim as holding firms accountable: "It outlines a process of basically you break it, you fix it," the council member said. Council members discussed how the rule would apply to visible obstructions such as utility poles placed within sidewalks and described the permit and engineering manual process as the mechanism to ensure safe pedestrian routes.
The council voted to adopt the amendments after a motion, second and brief discussion; the measure carried unanimously. The ordinance amendment requires two readings by ordinance process and staff said the city wanted the language in place ahead of spring construction season so permitting and enforcement can proceed.
The ordinance is recorded as an amendment to Hickory Code, Chapter 29, Article 3; the city did not state an effective date during the meeting. Staff indicated further procedural steps and permitting guidelines will be communicated through the planning department and utilities division.
The council completed several routine agenda items earlier in the meeting and adjourned following the vote.
