The city finds that the development of telecommunications systems and the availability of such services within the community holds a potential for providing public benefit for residents. Because of the complex and rapidly changing technology associated with telecommunications systems, the city finds that the public convenience, safety, and general welfare can best be served by establishing certain regulatory powers vested in the city or such persons as the city shall designate. It is the intent of this chapter and subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means to attain the best possible public interest and public purpose associated with the creation and operation of local telecommunications system(s) within the community. The city in addition finds that any and all telecommunication systems wishing to utilize the public streets and rights-of-way shall be subject to city regulation to the fullest extent possible consistent with law, and that all such telecommunications systems may only offer service within the community under franchise, and any franchise issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to include this finding as an integral part thereof.
(2011 Code, § 14.02.020)