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Fiber optics is the science of transmitting voice, data and images by the passage of light through thin, transparent fibers.

Fiber supports internet for residents, businesses and traffic signals. There are several city departments that benefit from fiber installations.

Various companies request to install fiber within the public right-of-way or within existing utility easements. Traditional fiber installations are typically done either by boring and/or by hand trenching. Per the city’s Roadway Manual, the minimum depth is 30”. The city requires fiber conduits for future installations to support city functions when arterial roadways are built. 

Easements and the Public Right of Way

Utility easements are areas of property solely for utilities to deliver services such as electricity, gas, water, sanitary sewer, telephone, internet (fiber) and cable.

The public right of way is property dedicated to the city of Aurora for public infrastructure like roads, storm sewers, sidewalks and street lights. The state of Colorado allows utility providers to use the public right of way for their facilities. The land belongs to the homeowner; however, utilities may access easements to perform routine maintenance, construct improvement projects and repair utility lines during emergencies.

Not all properties have the same utility easements located in the same location. The ones illustrated above likely do not reflect where the easements on your property may be located. Note that all easements are shown on the title and plot plan provided at the time your property was purchased. If in doubt of easement or right-of-way locations, please reach out to the city of Aurora directly.

The city's Fiber Optic and Dry Utility Standard Operating Procedures are meant to provide guidance, policies, procedures and specifications for submitting applications, requesting permits and installing fiber optic and dry utilities within the city of Aurora's public rights-of-way, and utility easements.

How to Apply

Companies wanting to apply for a fiber optic and dry utility Plan & Profile permit must first have a fully executed Fiber Optic & Dry Utility Master License Agreement with the city of Aurora. 

Fiber Optic & Dry Utility Master License Agreement 
Fee: $2,869 
All applicants shall apply via City of Aurora Customer Portal 
Instructions on how to apply are: Online Portal Instructions - City of Aurora
Please contact your city of Aurora agent for further instructions.

Fiber Optic Addendum or Amendment; PRO’s Access Agreement Fee: $680
Site specific and will need to reference the Master License Agreement.  
Please contact your city of Aurora agent for further instructions.

Fiber Optic and Dry Utility Plan and Profile Submittal Fee 
Fee: $680
All applicants shall apply via City of Aurora Customer Portal 
Instructions on how to apply are: Online Portal Instructions - City of Aurora

Public Improvement Permit / Pothole Permit Fee 
FEE is determined per project
Public Improvement Permits must fill out the (PI PERMIT APPLICATION) 
A detailed Site Plan (example shown below) along with a Traffic Control Plan at: [email protected]

Example of a site plan for a PI permit submittal:

1. This information can be pulled from the Aurora Property Info Maps. Please ensure that under the “Layers” tab, that you have the Easements / Right of Way / and City of Aurora Owned Parcels checked and turned on.
  
2. Once you have this information selected, please highlight as shown above where you plan to install your utility.  PLEASE NOTE, any planned bore route that is backed up or adjacent to a park, open space or school may be rejected by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, so please plan your route accordingly.

3. Any fiber route that is less than 500 feet and that is NOT crossing any critical infrastructure (City of Aurora Water, Storm or Sewer) may be submitted as a PI Permit. If it is determined that the planned route is crossing critical infrastructure you will be asked to submit for a full Plan/Profile.

Frequently Asked Questions