§ 54-74. Purpose and scope.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this Division is to establish policies and procedures for constructing facilities on rights-of-way within the Village's jurisdiction, which will provide public benefit consistent with the preservation of the integrity, safe usage, and visual qualities of the Village rights-of-way and the Village as a whole.

(b)

Intent. In enacting this Division, the Village intends to exercise its authority over the rights-of-way in the Village and, in particular, the use of the public ways and property by utilities, by establishing uniform standards to address issues presented by utility facilities, including without limitation:

(1)

Prevent interference with the use of streets and sidewalks;

(2)

Prevent the creation of visual and physical obstructions and other conditions that are hazardous to vehicular and pedestrian traffic;

(3)

Prevent interference with the facilities and operations utilities lawfully located in rights-of-way or public property;

(4)

Protect against environmental damage, including damage to trees, from the installation of facilities;

(5)

Protect against increased stormwater runoff due to structures and materials that increase impermeable surfaces;

(6)

Preserve the character of the neighborhoods in which facilities are installed;

(7)

Prevent visual blight from the proliferation of facilities in the rights-of-way; and

(8)

Ensure the continued safe use and enjoyment of private properties adjacent to utility facilities locations.

(c)

Franchises, licenses, or similar agreements. The Village, in its discretion and as limited by law, may require utilities to enter into a franchise, license or similar agreement for the privilege of locating their facilities within the Village. Utilities that are not required by law to enter into such an agreement may request that the Village enter into such an agreement. In such an agreement, the Village may provide for terms and conditions inconsistent with this Division.

(d)

Effect of franchises, licenses, or similar agreements. The effect of franchises, licenses or similar agreements on the following:

(1)

Utilities other than telecommunications providers. In the event that a utility other than a telecommunications provider has a franchise, license or similar agreement with the Village, such franchise, license or similar agreement shall govern and control during the term of such agreement and any lawful renewal or extension thereof.

(2)

Telecommunications providers. In the event of any conflict with, or inconsistency between, the provisions of this Division and the provisions of any franchise, license or similar agreement between the Village and any telecommunications provider, the provisions of such franchise, license or similar agreement shall govern and control during the term of such agreement and any lawful renewal or extension thereof.

(e)

Conflicts with State and federal laws. In the event that applicable federal or State laws or regulations conflict with the requirements of this Division, the utility shall comply with the requirements of this Division to the maximum extent possible without violating federal or State laws or regulations.

(f)

Sound engineering judgment. The Village shall use sound engineering judgment when administering this Division and may vary the standards, conditions, and requirements expressed in this Division when the Village so determines. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the ability of the Village to regulate its rights-of-way for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. No. 1548, § 2, 1-10-2008; Ord. No. 1572, § 3(a)—(e), 8-14-2008)