3-Comunications Ordinance signed ORD 077 2018 R.pdf

This is a municipal ordinance (No. 099, Series 2018) enacted by the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government that repeals and replaces Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances relating to communications services franchises. The ordinance establishes comprehensive regulations governing communications service providers that wish to install, maintain, and operate facilities in Louisville Metro's Rights-Of-Way, including requirements for franchise applications, system descriptions, technical specifications, and compliance with FCC standards. Key provisions include a non-refundable application fee of $2,500, franchise terms not exceeding twenty years, mandatory performance and franchise bonds ($1,000,000 franchise bond and performance bond amounts determined by the Director of Public Works and Assets), and specific requirements for emergency coordination, traffic management, and facility construction standards.

The ordinance establishes that Louisville Metro may impose franchise fees on a quarterly basis for Rights-Of-Way usage and government access television funding, with security requirements including an irrevocable letter of credit of $25,000 or half the annual franchise fee (whichever is less) for the first two years. Insurance requirements include general liability coverage of $5,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $5,000,000, and workers' compensation at statutory limits. Franchisees must provide customers access to Public, Educational and Government Access channels at no cost to Louisville Metro, maintain 24-hour customer service, and comply with equal employment opportunity requirements. The ordinance includes provisions for franchise termination, renewal procedures, and enforcement mechanisms, with all construction work subject to Public Works and Assets approval and inspection requirements.