Colorado § 38-5.5-109 - Notice of trenching - permitted access.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-5.5-109 — Notice of trenching - permitted access., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-5.5-109. Notice of trenching - permitted access.
(1) (a) The state or a political subdivision shall provide notice on a competitively neutral basis to broadband providers of any utility trenching project that it conducts, but notice is not required for emergency repair projects. The state or political subdivision shall provide the notice a minimum of ten business days prior to the start of the project involving trenching.
(b) The department of transportation shall maintain a public list of all broadband providers that would like to receive notice of a utility trenching project and the providers' addresses on the website it maintains. To be eligible to receive notice under paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), a broadband provider must request the department of transportation to be included in the department list. A political subdivision may rely on the department list when making its notifications, and such notifications may be made by electronic mail.
(2) (a) For any trenching project conducted by the state or a political subdivision, the state or political subdivision shall allow joint trenching by broadband providers on a nonexclusive and nondiscriminatory basis for the placement of broadband facilities, except as set forth in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2). This subsection (2) does not limit the ability of the state, political subdivision, or any private entity to share the costs of construction related to the trenching project with the broadband provider.
(b) The state or a political subdivision may deny joint trenching by broadband providers if the joint trenching will hinder or obstruct highway safety or the construction, maintenance, operations, or related regulation of highway facilities or if it is not feasible because it will delay the repair or construction of a political subdivision's water, wastewater, electricity, or gas line or because collocation with a political subdivision's water, wastewater, electricity, or gas line will hinder or obstruct the maintenance or operations of a political subdivision's water, wastewater, electricity, or gas facilities.
(3) (a) Nothing in this section is intended to preempt or otherwise replace requirements for joint trenching that may be imposed by a political subdivision.
(b) Nothing in this section requires a private entity undertaking a trenching project to allow a broadband provider to participate in the trenching project.
(c) Any provision in this section that conflicts with federal law is unenforceable.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent or delay commencement or progress of a construction, maintenance, or trenching project.
(4) As used in this section, "trenching" means a construction project in which a highway right-of-way surface is opened or removed for the purpose of laying or installing conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure in excess of one mile in length. "Trenching" does not mean any other activity or project for the construction or maintenance, including drainage or culvert work, of a highway facility.
Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1327), ch. 149, p. 509, § 6, effective August 6.
Cross references: For the short title ("Broadband Deployment Act") in HB 14-1327, see section 1 of chapter 149, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.
ARTICLE 6
Proceedings by Cities and Towns
PART 1
CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY
38-6-101. Power of towns and cities.
38-6-102. Petition.
38-6-103. Defendants - guardian ad litem.
38-6-104. Judge to set hearing - summons - service - publication.
38-6-105. Answer - hearing - commissioners.
38-6-106. Commissioners - oaths - hearing.
38-6-107. Assessment of damages - lien - fund.
38-6-108. Commissioners' report.
38-6-109. Cost assessed against block.
38-6-110. Property need not be in city limits.
38-6-111. Hearing - notice - publication.
38-6-112. Objections - default - burden of proof - findings - reappraisement.
38-6-113. Jury trial - motion for new trial - appellate proceedings.
38-6-114. Costs - compensation.
38-6-115. Amendments - new parties - notice.
38-6-116. Decree - copy to city clerk - payments - collection of assessments.
38-6-117. City may dismiss proceedings.
38-6-118. Ownership in controversy - award.
38-6-119. Possession - award paid.
38-6-120. Review - deposit - possession.
38-6-121. Lis pendens.
38-6-122. Eminent domain beyond city limits.
PART 2
CONDEMNATION OF WATER RIGHTS
38-6-200.3. Definitions.
38-6-201. Condemnation of water rights by municipalities.
38-6-202. Petition.
38-6-203. Condemnation - municipal - water supplies - standards and procedures for evaluations.
38-6-204. Defendants - guardian ad litem.
38-6-205. Judge to set hearing - summons - service - publication.
38-6-206. Answer - hearing - jury.
38-6-207. Duty of commissioners, determination of necessity.
38-6-208. Commissioners - oaths - hearing.
38-6-209. Hearing - notice - publication.
38-6-210. Objections - default - burden of proof - findings - reappraisement.
38-6-211. Jury trial - motion for new trial - appellate proceedings.
38-6-212. Costs - compensation.
38-6-213. Amendments - new parties - notice.
38-6-214. Decree - copy to municipality - payments - collection of assessments.
38-6-215. Municipality may dismiss proceedings.
38-6-216. Ownership in controversy - award.
PART 1
CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 38-5.5-109
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-5.5-109 cover?
Section 38-5.5-109 ("Notice of trenching - permitted access.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 38-5.5-109?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-5.5-109" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 38-5.5-109 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.