Residents from the Woodland Hills neighborhood told the Conroe City Council April 16 that uncoordinated fiber and utility installations have left multiple front-yard pedestals, damaged lawns and driveways and increased disruption in streets and common areas.

Resident Kurt Welborn described raised equipment pedestals placed in front yards, routine sod failures where crews repaired ground, broken lines he said went unreported to residents, and heavy equipment operating close to homes. Resident Ms. Betty Born Avery and another speaker, Ms. Coyle, described torn driveways and yards and said some crews had worked without visible permits. Ms. Coyle said crews often identified themselves as subcontractors and that residents had difficulty contacting the primary providers.

City staff and council members acknowledged the complaints and said federal and state rules limit some local authority over broadband siting. The city attorney and municipal staff referenced limits stemming from federal and state law; council members and staff also noted that some municipal controls can apply to damage to city infrastructure in rights-of-way.

Council directed staff to bring the matter back for more detailed discussion at the next workshop and to attempt to secure attendance by provider representatives. Specific next steps requested by council included: analysis of whether a local moratorium on new provider placements (limited to city property/right-of-way) is legally available; review of current fine schedules and permit enforcement processes; identification of other municipal code models (councilmembers cited examples in Katy, College Station and Fredericksburg) and presentation of a recommended code or ordinance that would apply where allowed; and a request that staff include an explanation of current permitting and enforcement procedures for residents.

Councilmembers said they would seek to ensure stricter enforcement where the city has authority, including assessing fines and withholding permits until violations are remedied. Staff agreed to try to obtain links and ordinance text from other municipalities and to request company representatives for a future workshop meeting.