Prior to the effective date of an ordinance, a referendum on that ordinance may be proposed by filing with the Board of Supervisors a petition protesting the passage of that ordinance. Such petition shall be signed by voters in a number equal to at least ten percent, or in the case of an ordinance granting any franchise, at least five percent, of the votes cast for all candidates for Mayor in the last preceding general municipal election for Mayor.
Such ordinance shall then be suspended from becoming effective. The Board of Supervisors shall reconsider the ordinance. If it is not entirely repealed, the Board of Supervisors shall submit the ordinance to the voters at the next general municipal or statewide election or at a special municipal election. Such ordinance shall not become effective until approved by voters at such an election.