Chapter 80 TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Unchanged since the 2007 code

Plain English: what this part covers

This chapter sets the rules for companies that want to run cable TV or telephone/telecom lines along Ashburn's streets and rights-of-way. It covers how a company applies for a franchise, what the city looks at before saying yes, and the fees involved. It also sets the 5% franchise fee the city collects from cable and video companies that hold a Georgia state franchise. Most of it matters to companies, not households, but it shapes who can offer service in town.

5% of gross revenues: franchise fee on state-issued cable/video franchises (Sec. 80-42)
$1,250: nonrefundable application fee for a cable franchise (Sec. 80-36)
$1,250: nonrefundable application fee for a telecom franchise or revocable license (Sec. 80-66)
500 linear feet: maximum street use under telecom revocable licenses (Secs. 80-64(b), 80-72)
5 years: maximum initial term and renewal term of a telecom revocable license (Sec. 80-71(1))
More than 5% ownership: creates a presumption of a 'controlling interest' (Sec. 80-61)

State Law reference— Taxation of certain telecommunications services, § 48-8-13 et seq.; authority of telecommunications companies to implement services, O.C.G.A. § 46-5-1; local regulations of telecommunications towers and poles, O.C.G.A. § 32-4-92.

What's in here

Questions folks ask

Can a new cable or internet company come into Ashburn, or does one company have the town locked up?

No company gets an exclusive deal. The code says every cable and telecom franchise is nonexclusive, and the city can grant more franchises whenever it sees fit.

80-34 80-64

Does the city get money from the cable company?

Yes. The city charges a franchise fee of 5% of gross revenues earned inside the city limits by any cable or video provider holding a Georgia state franchise.

80-42

Do residents get a say before the city grants a cable or telecom franchise?

Yes. Before acting on an application it is moving forward with, the city council has to hold at least one public hearing where people can file written comments and speak.

80-40 80-70

Can I look at a company's franchise application?

Usually, yes. Applications are open for public inspection at a designated city office during normal business hours, to the extent the city council decides.

80-37 80-67

Could the City of Ashburn offer its own cable or telecom service?

The code keeps that door open. It says the city reserves the right to provide cable or telecommunications services itself.

80-34 80-64

What does a company pay just to apply?

There is a nonrefundable $1,250 application fee, paid by certified or cashier's check. If the city's review costs run higher, the company can be billed for the difference.

80-36 80-66

Ask about this section View official version

This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.

Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH80TE

Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH80TE

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