(a) Charges limited. Except as federal rate regulations may otherwise require, a franchisee may not assess a subscriber any cost other than a standard installation charge for cable service drops of 200 feet or less for a standard installation of a single outlet, unless the franchisee demonstrates to the County's satisfaction in advance that extraordinary circumstances justify a higher charge.
(b) Cable drops. Except as applicable law otherwise may require, if a drop exceeds 200 feet in length due to engineering requirements, a franchisee may charge a subscriber for the franchisee's costs of labor and materials for installation of the portion of the drop that is beyond 200 feet, plus a 10% service fee. The subscriber's preference for the point of entry into the residence shall be observed whenever feasible. Runs in building interiors shall be as unobtrusive as possible. The franchisee shall use due care in the process of installation and shall repair any damage to the subscriber's property caused by the installation. The restoration shall be undertaken as soon as possible after the damage was incurred and shall be completed within no more than 30 days after the damage is incurred, subject to reasonable landscaping limitations.
(c) Underground and above ground installations. In locations where a franchisee's system is underground, drops shall be placed underground. Except as federal law otherwise requires, in an area where a franchisee would be entitled to install a drop above ground, the franchisee, if requested by the property owner, shall install the drop underground but may charge the property owner the difference between the cost of labor and materials for an above ground installation and the cost of labor and materials for the underground installation, plus a 10% service fee.
(d) Deposit permitted. In addition to any allowable monthly rental fees, a franchisee may require a reasonable, non-discriminatory deposit on equipment provided to subscribers. A subscriber deposit shall bear interest in accordance with applicable law or a rate that is not less than the prime rate of the bank used by the County for the conduct of its ordinary business. All deposits, with interest, shall be returned to the subscriber within 30 days after return of the equipment.
(e) Antenna switches. A franchisee shall adhere to FCC regulations regarding antenna switches. A franchisee may not require a subscriber or potential subscriber to remove any existing antenna structures for the receipt of over-the-air television signals as a condition to providing cable service.
(Bill No. 54-06)