A. The city may grant any person, by ordinance, a nonexclusive franchise to install, construct, operate, maintain, remove, repair or replace facilities in the right-of-way for the provision of utility services or telecommunications services to the public. The grant of a franchise shall be made pursuant to the procedures, terms, and conditions set forth in this chapter. No provision of this chapter requires the granting of a new franchise if, in the opinion of the city council, the granting of an additional franchise is not in the public interest, unless otherwise required by law.

B. It is unlawful for any person to install, construct, operate, maintain, remove, repair or replace facilities in the right-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services or cable without first obtaining a franchise pursuant to this chapter if for telecommunication services or Chapter 5.52 MMC if for cable services. The franchise is a “master permit” within the meaning of RCW 35.99.010(3). (Ord. 009/2022 § 3 (Exh. A))