Albuquerque rescinds permit pause after neighborhood fiber debate

Albuquerque, N.M., September 9, 2025

News Summary

Albuquerque city leaders moved from proposing a 90-day pause on new underground fiber-optic permits to rescinding the moratorium after adopting additional stop orders, rules and creating a stakeholder working group. The decision allows companies to continue fiber installation while the group gathers community feedback, reviews practices and makes recommendations to the council. The debate followed resident reports of busted sewer and gas lines, damaged landscaping and debris in neighborhoods. Officials also launched ABQ-PLAN, a new online permitting platform to streamline applications, payments, inspections and increase transparency for homeowners and builders.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Neighborhood damage from underground fiber work spurred a proposed city permit pause that was later lifted as officials set a path for tighter rules and public review

City crews and private contractors installing underground fiber‑optic lines left some Albuquerque neighborhoods with busted sewer and gas lines, torn up lawns, and debris on streets and sidewalks. In response, a city councilor introduced a resolution to pause new installation permits for 90 days so companies could correct problems and meet with city leaders. The initial pause proposal prompted a scheduled council vote in mid‑May, but the council later voted unanimously to lift the moratorium on permits on Aug. 19, allowing work to continue while a dedicated working group finalizes recommendations and the council schedules additional public discussion.

What residents experienced

Homeowners in the Northeast Heights reported damaged utility lines, ruined landscaping, and general disruption to sidewalks and streets after underground internet cabling work. The complaints generated many calls to city offices and attention from elected officials. Earlier in the year, several stop orders were issued in response to problem sites, prompting the development of new local regulations for underground installations.

City Council actions and timeline

The permit pause resolution called for a temporary halt to approving new fiber‑optic installation permits for 90 days so contractors could address the disruptions and meet with city staff. A council vote on that resolution was slated for May 19. After a period of review, additional oversight and rulemaking, the council voted unanimously to rescind the moratorium on Aug. 19. Officials said the work of the fiber working group has been extensive and will feed into a more deliberate final plan. The council plans further public discussion on a related bill during a meeting on Sept. 3.

How a neighboring city handled similar issues

Nearby city leaders reported similar concerns last year but chose not to halt installations. Local officials there described the problems as growing pains tied to under‑the‑ground work and emphasized that most digging takes place between the curb and the sidewalk. That city encouraged ongoing dialogue among residents, installers, and officials and said the work is necessary because its entire utility network is underground.

New online permitting platform

The city also launched a new permit portal called ABQ-PLAN to streamline housing and construction permits. The platform lets homeowners and developers apply for and pay for permits, schedule inspections, and monitor project status online. Officials say the system is intended to reduce paperwork and speed review times for renovation and housing projects.

Other details from source materials

The source documents contained repeated advertising lines and prominent copyright and redistribution notices. One item mentioned a recently completed downtown mural and directed readers to more program details. Another page included an accessibility contact phone number (505‑243‑4411) and a note that the site is not intended for users in the European Economic Area. A separate item advised readers about an app for local news and included an affiliate marketing disclosure about links to retailers.

What residents can do now

• Report any damage to sewer, gas, water, or private property to city utility and permitting offices immediately.
• Use the ABQ-PLAN portal to check permit status and inspection schedules for projects near your home.
• Contact your city councilor if you have concerns about planned digging, marks in your yard, or finished work that looks unsafe or unfinished.
• Attend the upcoming council meeting scheduled for additional public discussion on fiber installation policy.

What to expect next

With the moratorium rescinded, installations can continue while council members and the working group refine recommendations. Officials have invited ongoing community input and expect more detailed rules and oversight to roll out after the working group’s proposals are reviewed by the council.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABQ-PLAN and how does it help homeowners?

ABQ-PLAN is an online permitting platform that allows users to apply for and pay permit fees, schedule inspections, and track project progress from start to finish. It aims to make permitting faster and more transparent.

Why was a 90‑day pause proposed?

The pause was proposed to give contractors time to address damage and to allow city leaders and contractors to meet and outline procedures that reduce disruption in neighborhoods.

Is underground fiber work currently stopped?

No. The temporary moratorium was rescinded on Aug. 19 and installations have resumed while the city considers working‑group recommendations and updates to local rules.

Where does most of the digging occur?

Most installation activity is reported to take place in the space between the curb and the sidewalk, though markings in yards can cause concern when homeowners misunderstand where crews will actually dig.

How can I report damage from an installation?

Report damage to your local city utilities or permitting office right away and contact your city councilor to make sure the issue is tracked and investigated.

Key features at a glance

Topic	Details
ABQ-PLAN	Online permit application, payment, inspection scheduling, project tracking
Initial permit pause	Proposed 90‑day halt to new permits; vote scheduled for May 19
Moratorium rescinded	Unanimously lifted on Aug. 19 to allow work to continue while rules are refined
Typical work zone	Mostly between curb and sidewalk; markings in yards may not indicate final dig sites
Next public review	Additional council discussion scheduled for Sept. 3
Accessibility contact noted in source	A page in the source material included a phone contact: 505‑243‑4411

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• KOB: Albuquerque city councilor calls for halt to fiber-line permits
• Wikipedia: Fiber to the home
• KOAT: Albuquerque stops fiber internet installs
• Google Search: Albuquerque fiber optic permits
• GovTech: Albuquerque debuts new permit business software system (ABQ‑PLAN)
• Google Scholar: digital permitting systems municipal
• KOB: Food truck owners frustrated with skyrocketing licensing fees
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Food truck
• ABQ Journal: New gun laws could increase concealed carry permits
• Google News: Albuquerque concealed carry permits