Anaconda Deer Lodge County adopts ordinance to limit repeated street cuts by communications companies

Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission adopted an amendment to the county code on July 7 aimed at reducing repeated street and alley excavations tied to new communications‑fiber installations. The ordinance passed unanimously and will take effect 30 days after passage.

Planning Director Carl Hamming told commissioners the change requires communications companies that open alleys or streets to install additional conduit at county expense so the county will own spare capacity for later providers. "We are looking to amend our utilities chapter to require that if a new communications company is coming into Anaconda ... that they would be required to put in additional conduit so that the next company would have space," Hamming said.

County Attorney Morgan Smith advised commissioners that state law requires two readings of an ordinance and that the second reading could include an effective date no sooner than 30 days from passage; the Commission set that effective date as required. Hamming said the county will require three‑dimensional as‑builts from the installing company at project completion so future excavators can locate existing infrastructure.

CEO Bill Everett urged the change as a practical matter after a summer of street work and utility strikes. "The last thing I want to see is a new fiber optics company come through and rip our streets apart; that's kind of where we're at," Everett said, describing incidents where crews struck gas lines and sprinkler systems.

Supporters said the ordinance is not intended to block broadband deployment but to reduce repeated public‑works impacts and increase public safety and long‑term access. The ordinance passed 5‑0; County staff will incorporate the effective date and publish associated permit requirements and as‑built submission standards.