(A) Notice. Within 90 days following written notice from the city, a utility shall, at its own expense, protect, support, temporarily or permanently disconnect, remove, relocate, change or alter the position of any utility facilities within the rights-of-way whenever the corporate authorities have determined that such removal, relocation, change or alteration, is reasonably necessary for the construction, repair, maintenance, or installation of any city improvement in or upon, or the operations of the city in or upon, the rights-of-way.
(B) Removal of unauthorized facilities. Within 30 days following written notice from the city, any utility that owns, controls, or maintains any unauthorized facility or related appurtenances within the rights-of-way shall, at its own expense, remove all or any part of such facilities or appurtenances from the rights-of-way. A facility is unauthorized and subject to removal in the following circumstances:
(1) Upon expiration or termination of the permittee's license or franchise, unless otherwise permitted by applicable law;
(2) If the facility was constructed or installed without the prior grant of a license or franchise, if required;
(3) If the facility was constructed or installed without prior issuance of a required permit in violation of this chapter; or
(4) If the facility was constructed or installed at a location not permitted by the permittee's license or franchise.
(C) Emergency removal or relocation of facilities. The city retains the right and privilege to cut or move any facilities located within the rights-of-way of the city, as the city may determine to be necessary, appropriate, or useful in response to any public health or safety emergency. If circumstances permit, the municipality shall attempt to notify the utility, if known, prior to cutting or removing a facility and shall notify the utility, if known, after cutting or removing a facility.
(D) Abandonment of facilities. Upon abandonment of a facility within the rights-of-way of the city, the utility shall notify the city within 90 days. Following receipt of such notice the city may direct the utility to remove all or any portion of the facility if the Superintendent of Public Works, or his or her designee, determines that such removal will be in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare. In the event that the city does not direct the utility that abandoned the facility to remove it, by giving notice of abandonment to the city, the abandoning utility shall be deemed to consent to the alteration or removal of all or any portion of the facility by another utility or person.
(Ord. 21-O-2302, passed 6-2-2021) Penalty, see § 158.999