4939.02 State policy.

OHIO STATUTES AND CODES

(A) It is the public policy of this state to do all of the following:

(1) Promote the public health, safety, and welfare regarding access to and the occupancy or use of public ways, to protect public and private property, and to promote economic development in this state;

(2) Promote the availability of a wide range of utility, communication, and other services to residents of this state at reasonable costs, including the rapid implementation of new technologies and innovative services;

(3) Ensure that access to and occupancy or use of public ways advances the state policies specified in sections 4927.02, 4928.02, and 4929.02 of the Revised Code;

(4) Recognize the authority of a municipal corporation to manage access to and the occupancy or use of public ways to the extent necessary with regard to matters of local concern, and to receive cost recovery for the occupancy or use of public ways in accordance with law;

(5) Ensure in accordance with law the recovery by a public utility of public way fees and related costs;

(6) Promote coordination and standardization of municipal management of the occupancy or use of public ways, to enable efficient placement and operation of structures, appurtenances, or facilities necessary for the delivery of public utility or cable services;

(7) Encourage agreement among parties regarding public way fees and regarding terms and conditions pertaining to access to and the occupancy or use of public ways, and to facilitate the resolution of disputes regarding public way fees.

(B) This policy establishes fair terms and conditions for the use of public ways and does not unduly burden persons occupying or using public ways or persons that benefit from the services provided by such occupants or users.

Effective Date: 07-02-2002