Agenda Item No: K.2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: July 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolutions 2026 -58 and 2026 -59 PW Micro -Trenching Specifications and Standards and Broadband Specifications and Standards
2026-58 Adopting the Micro -Trenching Specifications and Standards into the Public Works Standards Specifications; and
2026-59 Adopting the Broadband Specifications and Standards into the Public Works Standards Specifications
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Thomas Martian, (707) 428-7017
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolutions.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Approval of the resolutions will adopt the Micro -Trenching and Broadband Specifications and Standards to be incorporated into the Public Works Standards Specifications.
DISCUSSION
On October 8, 2021, the California State Legislature approved S enate Bill 378 (SB 378), which requires local agencies to allow micro-trenching within the public right-of-way for the installation of underground fiber-optic cable. Micro-trenching—distinct from traditional, deeper trenching— significantly reduces the cost of installing new fiber-optic networks in existing roadways.
Although only a limited number of jurisdictions in California have adopted micro -trenching standards, several have al ready implemented them . Staff have prepared the proposed Micro - Trenching Specifications and Standards to establish consistent methods and procedural requirements.
In addition, cities have been encouraged to adopt Broadband Specifications that outline application processes, methods, practices, and related procedures. These practices have been tailored to the City of Fairfield and are intended to support broadband deployment within City infrastructure. Staff has developed Broadband Specifications and Standards to guide services needed for City facilities.
In preparing these documents, staff reviewed standards adopted by the Cities of San José, San Diego, and San Francisco. The Public Works Department and the Inf ormation Technology Department have developed the proposed Micro -Trenching and Broadband Specifications and Standards included in the attached resolutions and recommend that the City Council adopt the resolutions.
The recommended actions, including adoption of both specifications, are categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. This exemption applies because the specifications involve the deployment of utility infrastructure within existing streets, and the public right-of-way. Therefore, staff has determined that there is no substantial evidence that the proposed specifications would have a significant impact on the environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
On January 20, 2026, a public hearing was held to amend the Fairfield Municipal Code. On February 17, 2026, the council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-02, amending the Fairfield Municipal Code to allow Micro-Trenching in the city’s right-of-way.
Following the ordinance adoption, City staff engaged with various telecommunications carriers and other interested stakeholders to review draft standards and specifications. Through a collaborative process, staff and stakeholders evaluated implementation requirements, coordination considerations, and potential deployment opportunities. Feedback received during these discussions informed and was incorporated, where appropriate, into the development of the proposed standards and specifications.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
If the council has any questions, adoption of the specifications may be delayed so that staff may provide the necessary additional information.
COORDINATED WITH
Information Technology Department
STAFF CONTACT
David Vong, Senior Engineer
(707) 428-7784
[email protected]
Thomas Martian, Project Manager
(707) 428-7017
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution Adopting Micro-Trenching Specifications and Standards Attachment 3: Proposed Resolution Adopting Broadband Specifications and Standards Attachment 4: Exhibit A Micro-Trenching Specifications and Standards Attachment 5: Exhibit B Broadband Specifications and Standards