Overview
The City of Santa Rosa has permitted Frontier Communications to install underground fiber infrastructure in parts of the Oakmont community. This document summarizes information provided by the City in response to resident questions.
- The work is permitted by the City of Santa Rosa
- The Oakmont Village Association (OVA) does not control or approve utility work in public rights-of-way
- The City is actively inspecting the work to ensure safety and compliance
- Residents are not required to connect to Frontier services
Who authorized this work?
The City of Santa Rosa issued an Encroachment Permit for this project. This permit allows Frontier Communications to perform underground utility work within public streets and utility easements.
Did the Oakmont Village Association approve or request this?
No. Dry utilities such as telecommunications, electricity, and gas are considered essential public services and are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As long as providers follow CPUC guidelines, meet City standards, and obtain required permits, they may perform work in the public right-of-way without HOA or resident approval.
Why does the City allow this work?
The City’s role is to prevent conflicts with City-owned infrastructure, ensure work meets construction standards, and maintain pedestrian and vehicle safety. The City does not decide where service providers expand or upgrade service.
Why is a new fiber system being installed when other providers exist?
This decision is entirely up to Frontier Communications. The project provides additional service options, is optional for homeowners, and does not require residents to switch providers.
Were residents notified?
Yes. The City requires adjacent property owners be notified at least 72 hours before construction. Frontier provided door tags to nearby properties prior to beginning work.
Why wasn’t there a vote or public hearing?
City policy does not require public hearings or resident approval for utility work in public rights-of-way. Notification is required, but resident consent is not part of the permitting process.
Construction hours
Approved construction hours are 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM for most work and 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM for work involving lane closures. If work occurs outside these hours, residents may report it to the City.
Project timeline
Underground work is expected to be completed by the end of the month, with pavement restoration completed by mid-February.
Oversight and inspections
City inspection teams are monitoring the site to ensure compliance with traffic control, underground construction standards, and safety regulations.
Future communication
The City acknowledged that communication could be improved and stated it will notify the OVA earlier in future projects and share scope and timeline information in advance.
Questions or concerns
Residents with concerns may contact the City’s Encroachment Permit Inspector or use the contact information listed on the Frontier door tags.