3-Comunications Ordinance signed ORD 077 2018 R.pdf

This document is an Ordinance No. 077, Series 2018, issued by the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, specifically the Louisville Metro Council, relating to Communications Services and Rights-of-Way regulations. The ordinance repeals and replaces Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, which governs communications service providers' operations within the city's rights-of-way. The comprehensive document establishes new regulations for franchising communications service providers, defining their rights, obligations, and operational requirements when using public rights-of-way. The ordinance covers a wide range of provisions including franchise requirements, application processes, insurance and bonding requirements, customer service standards, and procedural guidelines for installing and maintaining communication facilities.

The ordinance introduces several key financial and operational terms, including a non-refundable $2,500 application fee, provisions for franchise fees, and detailed insurance requirements. Franchisees must provide general liability insurance with a minimum of $5,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability coverage, and workers' compensation insurance. The franchises are granted for a maximum term of twenty years and require providers to comply with multiple regulatory standards, including equal employment opportunity regulations, emergency alert system requirements, and public access channel provisions. The document emphasizes non-discrimination, public safety, and the metro government's right to manage and oversee communication service infrastructure within its jurisdiction, with specific mechanisms for review, potential termination, and ongoing compliance monitoring.