(a) The local entity shall allow the holder of a state franchise under this division to install, construct, and maintain a network within public rights-of-way under the same time, place, and manner as the provisions governing telephone corporations under applicable state and federal law, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Section 7901.1.

(b) Nothing in this division shall be construed to change existing law regarding the permitting process or compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) for projects by a holder of a state franchise.

(c) (1) For purposes of this section, an “encroachment permit” means any permit issued by a local entity relating to construction or operation of facilities pursuant to this division.

(2) A local entity shall either approve or deny an application from a holder of a state franchise for an encroachment permit within 60 days of receiving a completed application. An application for an encroachment permit is complete when the applicant has complied with all statutory requirements, including the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code).

(3) If the local entity denies an application for an encroachment permit, it shall, at the time of notifying the applicant of the denial, furnish to the applicant a detailed explanation of the reason for the denial.

(4) The local entity shall adopt regulations prescribing procedures for an applicant to appeal the denial of an encroachment permit application issued by a department of the local entity to the governing body of the local entity.

(5) Nothing in this section precludes an applicant and a local entity from mutually agreeing to an extension of any time limit provided by this section.

(d) A local entity may not enforce against the holder of a state franchise any rule, regulation, or ordinance that purports to allow the local entity to purchase or force the sale of a network.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 700, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)