1-1001 Franchises Required. Except as otherwise provided by law, no person, firm, or corporation shall place or maintain any permanent or semi-permanent fixtures in, over, upon, or under any street or public place for the purpose of operating a public utility or for any purposes, without a franchise therefor from the City. A franchise shall be granted only by ordinance, which shall not be an emergency ordinance. Every ordinance granting a franchise shall contain all the terms and conditions of the franchise. The grantee shall bear the costs of publication of the franchise ordinance and shall make a sufficient deposit with the City Clerk to guarantee publication before the ordinance is passed.

1-1002 Term. No exclusive or perpetual franchise shall ever be granted. No franchise for a term exceeding 20 years shall be effective until approved by a majority of the votes cast in a regular or special municipal election. [Revised 1/11/94, Ordinance 1479]

1-1003 Public Hearing. Before any franchise ordinance is adopted or any rates, fares, or prices to be charged by a public utility are fixed by the Council, the Council shall hold a public hearing on the matter. Notice of such hearing shall be published at least twice in the official paper and posted in three (3) public places within the City not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing.

1-1004 Power of Regulation Reserved. Subject to any applicable law the Council may, by ordinance, reasonably regulate and control the exercise of any franchise, including the maximum rates, fares, or prices to be charged by the grantee. No franchise value shall be included in the valuation of the grantee's property in regulating utility rates, fares, or prices under any applicable law, ordinance, or regulation or in proceedings for municipal acquisition of the grantee’s property by purchase or eminent domain.

1-1005 Renewals or Extensions. Every extension, renewal, or modification of any existing franchise or of any franchise granted herein shall be subject to the same limitations and shall be granted in the same manner as a new franchise.