Agenda Item No: M.1
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: February 3, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Ordinance 2026 -02 PW Amending Section 16.4.1 of Chapter 16 to Remove the Prohibition on Micro-Trenching and Conduct a Public Hearing
Amending Section 16.4.1 of the Municipal Code Regarding Street and Sidewalk to Remove the Prohibition on Micro -Trenching and Finding the Adoption of the Ordinance to Be Exempt from Review under the California Environmental Quality Act
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Thomas Martian, (707) 249-1224
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Hold public hearing; waive full reading, read by title only and introduce ordinance for first reading.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The proposed ordinance includes amendments to Section 16.4.1 of Chapter 16 Streets and Sidewalks, Article I Encroachments (Chapter 16) of the City of Fairfield Municipal Code (Municipal Code) to address inconsistencies with the current state practices.
DISCUSSION
The Municipal Code was first adopted in 1960 and is periodically review ed and update d to address emerging issues, clarify language, and ensure compliance with State law. Currently, Section 16.4.1 of the Municipal Code prohibits micro-trenching as a method of trench excavation.
However, California Government Code Section 65964.5 allows trenching as an acceptable alternative for the installation of conduits. As a result, the existing Municipal Code provision conflicts with State law.
The proposed ordinance amends the Municipal Code by removing the prohibition on micro- trenching, thereby aligning local regulations with State requirements.
The ordinance requires two readings presented to the City Council before final adoption. The second reading will be presented at the February 17 council meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
A public hearing notice was published in the Daily Republic and posted on the City’s Public Works webpage on January 14, 2026.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose to do any of the f ollowing: either approve the proposed ordinance amendment, as recommended ; or direct staff to revise the proposed amendment for future review; or deny the proposed amendment. Rejecting the proposed amendment would maintain the status quo, including the existing conflict with the State law.
COORDINATED WITH
City Attorney’s Office and Information Technology Department
STAFF CONTACT
Thomas Martian, Project Manager
(707) 249-1224
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Ordinance