DATE: January 10, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PE, PLS, DIRECTOR
BY: ADRIANA ROBLES, PE, CFM, CITY ENGINEER
BRENDA FREGOSO, ENGINEERING AIDE
TITLE: MICROTRENCHING STANDARD PLAN 16B
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution approving the new Microtrenching Standard Plan 16B into the 2008 edition of the City of Salinas Standard Plans for the construction of public improvement in the City of Salinas.
BACKGROUND:
On October 08, 2021, California Senate Bill 378 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 378, also known as the Broadband Deployment Acceleration Best Practices Act of 2021, states that Californians need improved access to high-speed internet now more than ever to meet a variety of demands including, but not limited to, remote work, distance learning, telehealth, emergency response and public safety, agriculture, innovation, and commerce. Deployment of fiber is critical to connect more Californians to high-speed internet.
The new law codified in California Government Code Section 65964.5 defines microtrenching as a narrow open excavation trench that is less than or equal to four (4) inches in width and not less than 12 inches in depth and not more than 26 inches in depth and that is created for the purpose of installing a subsurface pipe or conduit. Approving the new Microtrenching Standard Plan 16B will enable the City of Salinas to provide a standard, quick and cost-effective way to install fiber through microtrenching that conforms to the new law.
The provisions of this law shall not supersede, nullify, or otherwise alter the requirements to comply with safety standards.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Adopting the new Microtrenching detail will support the Council goals of:
Economic Development, adoption will reduce applicant costs and staff review time by streamlining the plan preparation and permit review process; Effective Government, adoption will reduce staff time required for permit review and staff maintenance of microtrenching related improvements; and Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability, adoption will ensure microtrenching related improvements are constructed to City standards. Approval will also assist towards the efficient and effective process to complete projects that benefit the community.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Public Works CIP, Development Engineer, Traffic and Transportation divisions and the City Engineer reviewed the new standard plan.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The approval of the new standard plan does not require allocation of funds. The plan was developed and reviewed by City staff. Applicants wishing to apply for encroachment permits for the installation of a microtrench shall incur the cost of permit reviews and inspections.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Standard Plan 16B Microtrenching
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