A. The Council/franchising authority may develop rules and regulations with respect to the submission and processing of applications for a franchise. Such rules and regulations shall primarily be aimed at determining the legal, financial, technical, and character qualifications of the applicant.
B. Unless prohibited, an applicant shall pay an application fee which shall be equal to the administrative and consulting costs associated with processing an application for a franchise. The total application fee must be paid, unless waived, regardless of whether the applicant receives, or does not receive a franchise. The total application fee must be paid (or waived) prior to the Council/franchising authority's formal action on the applicant's request for a franchise.