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Date ArticleType
10/1/2019 Member News

Washington County Moves Forward with Better Management of the Public ROW


Unlike cities, which are able to enter into utility franchise agreements, Oregon’s counties have long lacked a robust set of guidelines and regulations to properly manage private infrastructure in the public right-of-way. Developers are tasked with relocating this infrastructure in order to complete required public improvements. Without rules around when this infrastructure must be relocated, utilities can move at a snail's pace, creating unnecessary construction delays. This issue is particularly acute in the urban unincorporated Washington County areas of Aloha and North Bethany, which have seen significant population increases in recent years. Fortunately, as part of the discussion surrounding the Federal Communication Commissions’ decision to require local jurisdictions to permit 5G telecommunications infrastructure, the County is considering updating its right-of-way permit regulations to require relocation in order to accommodate public improvements. While HBA applauds the County’s step in the right direction, without additional clarifying language, the proposed regulations will not ensure that right-of-way permit holders act in a timely manner. We call on the Board of Commissioners to adopt updated regulations that include a 90-day shot clock that will ensure private parties relocate their infrastructure in an expeditious manner to facilitate new development. To support our work on right-of-way permit regulations, please contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.

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