§ 31G-3-2 — Microtrenching permitted; notification

(a) A person may perform microtrenching, where such is feasible, to the extent allowed by a permit issued by the appropriate municipality, county or state agency. All microtrenching work performed must be in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code and other generally accepted safety codes.

(b) A person must install conduit in a way that will readily permit another owner to add length to the microtrenching by connecting its own conduit to the first owner’s conduit. Where an owner connects its own conduit to another owner’s previously installed conduit, the owner must install conduit that has the same number of pathways or pipes as the previous owner’s conduit.

(c) A person must install a vacant conduit of the same size as its own conduit when performing microtrenching operations. Other persons desiring use of conduit in the same area may make use of this vacant conduit upon application to the Broadband Enhancement Council.

(d) When applying for a permit a person must notify the appropriate permitting entity of the intended dates of the start and completion of microtrenching construction. Notification must be made on a form and in a format prescribed by the appropriate permitting entity. No fee shall be charged for such application, as the installation of additional vacant conduit under the provisions of this section shall function in lieu of a fee. The person shall submit the following documents to the appropriate permitting entity:

(1) Proof of insurance; or

(2) An indemnification agreement.

(e) Promptly after completion of microtrenching construction, but no longer than forty calendar days after issuance of the permit for microtrenching, the entity must file a document with the appropriate permitting entity containing the following information:

(1) An “as-built” drawing of the conduit installed. The “as-built” drawing will be treated as proprietary and confidential, to the extent permitted by law.

(2) A map showing the street location of the conduit including the side of the street the conduit is on, the beginning and ending points of the conduit, the number of ducts in the conduit, and the number of ducts of excess capacity in the conduit. The map must accurately reflect the addresses of buildings that are passed by the conduit.

Legislative History

2017 Reg. Sess., HB3093