Council adopts shorter hold time on right-of-way securities to ease curb-cut permits

The Highland City Council voted 5-2 to adopt changes to the city's right-of-way permit rules that shorten how long the city holds cash securities for minor, non-excavation work.

Rob, a city staff member presenting the proposal, told the council the $2,500 cash security has remained useful as a warranty but can be burdensome when work does not affect the road surface. "We recommend adoption of these amendments," he said, adding that for curb-cut and similar minor work the city will inspect after completion and return funds in weeks or months rather than holding them for a year.

Council members asked detailed questions about which parts of the right-of-way the rule covers, the role of traffic-control plans, and whether the $2,500 amount will still be used for excavation-type repairs. Staff said building permits for new homes still carry larger securities (typically $4,000) and that the city could revisit the security amount for full excavation patches if needed.

The motion to adopt the amendments was made by Council member Rice and seconded by Council member Smith; the clerk recorded the outcome as "passes 5 2 0." Staff said the change aims to encourage residents to apply for permits rather than avoid the process because of cost or administrative burden. The council directed staff to prepare final ordinance language for adoption.