Years ago I worked for Comcast. We would usually plow in a drop if no conduit was provided. I advised customers to provide at least a 3/4 inch conduit if they wanted to avoid the waiting for the cable plow and the subsequent yard work that plowing in causes. If it were my project I would drop a 3/4 or 1 inch conduit in if $$ permit, either the telephone or CATV company will use it eventually.

PS - Since the city requires this, does the auhority requiring same have some idea of what the usual deal is? (I know it is a long shot)

Make sure your conduit is schedule 80, meaning
it has a thicker wall, which is necessary when
crossing a paved area that will be driven over
by vehicles, (the street).