Banner Mountain Area Community
Summary
SCH Number
2025060378
Public Agency
California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC)
Document Title
Banner Mountain Area Community
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/9/2025
Document Description
Nevada County Fiber Inc is a community-focused entity that is building an open-access underground fiber optic network. They have successfully completed two Nevada County Last-Mile Broadband Grant for 27 homes and a State of California 28 homes. Nevada County Fiber was granted a fourth State of California Grant for 215 homes in August 2024. Once fully established the long-term vision is evaluate a transition to a community owned and operated resource to expand affordable open access fiber optic internet to remote rural areas of Nevada County. Additionally, there is an opportunity to provide assistance and support to similar communities in adjacent counties who have a similar need to improve broadband access.
Contact Information
Name
Narissa Jimenez-Petchumrus
Agency Name
CPUC
Job Title
CEQA Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Nevada City
Counties
Nevada
Regions
Citywide
Other Location Info
The proposed project will served 290 homes in the Banner Mountain Community, Oak Ridge and Tumbling Creel areas. 92,381 feet of primary underground distribution conduit and cable will be installed.The primary public road is Banner Lava Cap Rd. The remaining roads are all private, which include the following roads, Wings of Morning Drive, Sesame Street, Blazing Star Road, Blackberry Place, Tesla Place, Snowborne Drive, Wild Lily Place. Clipper Creek Road, Lava Cap Mine Road, Lava Dome Way Smaller project area to the east includes Oak Ridge, Bear Claw Court, Banner Quaker Hill Road, Sanctum Place, Lolas Echo Road. Project area to the south east includes Tumbling Creek Road, and Live Oak Drive and Red Dog Road.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304 Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project will be predominantly built on private property, with a two-mile section along the County maintained Banner Lava Cap Rd. Encroachment permits will be requested to pass under County roads. The conduits containing fiber optic cables will be placed up to a 24" depth or according to County encroachment requirements. Construction will take place in zones, connecting 20-40 homes at a time before expanding the main distribution conduits to reach adjacent homes. Construction is planned to be completed by end of 2026.