CA SB1206

Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt a model ordinance for cities and counties to govern microtrenching permit applications, with cities and counties required to adopt the model ordinance or a substantially similar ordinance.

Mandates that cities and counties ministerially approve or deny completed microtrenching permit applications within 30 days of receipt.

Establishes technical standards for microtrench installations, limiting them to broadband and low-voltage utilities with specified minimum depths of cover in roadways, public easements, and under softscape.

Authorizes cities and counties to impose reasonable fees on applicants for expedited review and processing of broadband infrastructure development project permits, including personnel costs, if the applicant agrees to pay the fee.

Declares microtrenching to be a statewide concern rather than a municipal affair, making the requirements applicable to all cities including charter cities, and exempts the approval process from California Environmental Quality Act requirements as a ministerial action.