Committee codifies microtrenching for fiber deployment, amends code to reflect department standards

On Feb. 26 the Land Use & Transportation Committee adopted amendments to the Public Works Code to explicitly include microtrenching as an approved method to install fiber‑optic facilities in the public right‑of‑way and to codify departmental standards for trench widths and restoration.

Nicholas Hough, Bureau Manager for Public Works street use and mapping, said microtrenching was already allowed under existing excavation permits and that standard plan details adopted in July 2023 specify permitted trench widths and restoration materials. The ordinance makes microtrenching explicitly part of the code and preserves ADA and pavement‑restoration obligations.

Sponsor Supervisor Safai framed the measure as an equity and digital‑access action intended to speed less‑disruptive deployment of high‑speed internet and help bridge the digital divide. The committee discussed two restoration options reflected in the standards (hot‑mix asphalt/sand slurry up to 4‑inch trench widths vs. fiber‑reinforced cementitious restoration for narrower trenches) and removed duplicative code language now covered by departmental orders.

Industry commenters (AT&T and others) supported the ordinance but proposed technical clarifications—such as allowing cable without conduit in some cases and options to restore only the trenched area to reduce cost. The committee adopted amendments as presented and recommended the ordinance to the Board.