Any person who occupies public rights-of-way for the purpose of operating or constructing a cable system or provides cable service over a cable system and who does not hold a valid franchise from the county shall be subject to all requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, its provisions regarding construction and technical standards and franchise fees. In its discretion, the county at any time may by ordinance: require such person to enter into a franchise agreement within 30 days of receipt of a written notice to such person from the county that a franchise agreement is required; require such person to remove its property and restore the affected area to a condition satisfactory to the county within such time period; grant a revocable permit to operate for a period not to exceed two years provided such period begins on the expiration date of a franchise previously issued to such person; direct municipal personnel to remove the property and restore the affected area to a condition satisfactory to the county and charge the person the costs therefor, including by placing a lien on the person’s property as provided in connection with abating nuisances; or take any other action it is entitled to take under applicable law. In no event shall a franchise be created unless it is issued by ordinance of the county pursuant to this chapter and subject to a written franchise agreement.
(1993 Code, § 72.026) (Ord. 96-12, passed 10-16-1996)