Commission discusses creating permit process for utility work in county rights-of-way

County commissioners discussed during the June 15 work session the need for a formal permit process for utility and contractor activity in county rights-of-way to ensure notification, reduce unfinished work, and provide the county tools to compel timely remediation.

The chair said the county often does not know when firms are working in county right-of-way and has experienced situations where fiber- and utility-related work left areas in poor condition. He said staff are drafting a rule that would define permitting requirements and noted that in emergency situations the county would still allow necessary work but wants clarity for routine projects.

Commissioners said the ability to stop work can be an effective enforcement tool to get contractors to contact county staff and address issues; staff reported they are working on drafting language and recommended adopting the rule after legal review. No formal motion or vote was recorded in the transcript; the transcript indicates the draft is in preparation.