Agenda Item No: K.2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: February 17, 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
Provide second reading and adopt Ordinance 2026-02.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The proposed ordinance includes amendments to Section 16.4.1 of Chapter 16 (Streets and Sidewalks) Article I (Encroachments) of the 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 reviewed and updated to address emerging i ssues, 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 updates the Municipal Code to remove the prohibition on micro - trenching and align local regulations with State requirements. The use of micro trenching provides quick, cost -effective technology that involves digging a narrow trench, typically a few inches wide and a couple of feet deep into existing pavements such as roads and sidewalks.
Staff will return at a later date to present broadband specifications and details for the consideration of the City Council. This will outline the City’s standards for installing fiber optic cables within the public right -of-way and will incorporate best practices from various United States. jurisdictions to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
A public hearing notice was published in the Daily Republic , posted on the City’s Public Works webpage and sent to various communication providers on January 14, 2026. On February 3, 2026, the council held the first reading of the ordinance.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose to do any of the following: 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