Title
Approval of an Ordinance Granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber.
Report
Issue:
Whether Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber.
Staff Contact:
Jeff Johnstone, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8290
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Ezee Fiber submitted a request to obtain a Master Use Permit from the City to provide communication and telecommunication services within the City. Per their application,
Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing Houston-based fiber telecommunications company that provides affordable and reliable internet service to residential, business, and government customers through its fiber optic network. Their services will include telecommunications, private lines, and internet access.
Ezee Fiber is requesting that the franchise area encompass the entire city. The company intends to construct, own, and operate its own fully underground fiber optic infrastructure and does not plan to rely on existing facilities owned or operated by other telecommunications providers.
City staff reviewed the application and determined that Ezee Fiber has demonstrated technical capability and meets the general qualifications required under Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 11.06 to provide telecommunication services through a Master Use Permit. On June 23, 2026, public hearing regarding the proposed Master Use Permit was held.
Climate Analysis:
Ezee Fiber’s proposal to construct and operate a fully underground fiber optic network may support climate resiliency by providing reliable telecommunication infrastructure that can improve connectivity during emergencies and extreme weather events.
The installation of fiber optic infrastructure may also support broader climate objectives by enabling access to high-speed internet services, which can facilitate remote work, reduce transportation related trips, and improve access to digital services. The proposed underground design may provide additional resiliency benefits by protecting infrastructure from certain weather-related impacts compared to above ground facilities.
Construction of the proposed facilities will result in temporary impacts associated with excavation, equipment uses, and construction activities. These impacts will be limited in duration and will be addressed through applicable city permitting requirements, construction standards, and restoration requirements.
Equity Analysis:
Access to reliable broadband is increasingly important for participation in education, employment, healthcare, government services, and other essential activities. The proposed fiber optic network may help address connectivity needs by expanding broadband infrastructure, increasing service availability, and providing residents and businesses with additional provider options, which may contribute to more affordable broadband services.
Ezee Fiber’s proposal to construct its own underground fiber infrastructure may also reduce reliance on existing telecommunications facilities and support broader availability of service.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhoods may be inconvenienced for short periods of time during construction of infrastructure associated with this proposed Master Use Permit but should welcome the availability of this telecommunications option. Service to existing telecommunication customers in neighborhoods will not be affected.
Financial Impact:
The approval of the Master Use Permit is not expected to result in a direct financial impact on the City. Ezee Fiber will be responsible for paying all applicable permit fees associated with construction, installation, and operation of telecommunications facilities within City rights-of-way and adjacent easements, as required under the Master Use Permit and applicable City regulations.
Any future work within the public right-of-way will be subject to applicable permitting requirements and associated fees.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber.
2. Delay approving an Ordinance granting Ezee Fiber a Master Use Permit until a future date.
3. Do not approve an Ordinance granting Ezee Fiber a Master Use Permit.
Attachments:
Ordinance