A. Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, no person or entity may occupy or encroach on a public right-of-way without the permission of the City. The City grants permission to use public rights-of-way, by franchises, licenses, concessions and permits.

B. Standard Forms. Franchises, licenses, concessions and permits for use of public rights-of-way shall comply with all applicable requirements for occupancy or encroachment of such areas as set forth in AMC Chapter 13.03 and other applicable provisions of the Ashland Municipal Code. Franchises, licenses, concessions and permits shall be submitted on a City standard form franchise, license, concession, or permit template, together with required fees, if any. Such standard fees may be adopted and amended by resolution of the City Council.

C. City Functional Items. The City of Ashland is not required to obtain permits or other City authorizations to place City utilities, facilities or other structures in the right-of-way, including “functional items” intended for public usage. City functional items include, but are not limited to, a City standard bench, water fountain, planter box, garbage receptacle, ash can, bike rack, bollard, publication box, or other functional items identified by resolution of the City Council. The City Council resolution shall identify functional items and establish minimum standards for such items.

D. Donated or Loaned Functional Items. An abutting property owner together with the occupant may donate or loan to the City of Ashland a City standard functional item for use in an adjacent sidewalk permit area. Other persons or entities may also donate or loan functional items, for use in nonadjacent public areas. Items accepted on loan require insurance and a maintenance/hold harmless/indemnity agreement in a form approved by the City. Donated items do not require insurance or a maintenance agreement, but the donations must be accepted by the City to be eligible for placement. The City Manager is delegated authority to accept or reject donations and loans for purposes of this chapter, in the Manager’s sole discretion. After demonstrated compliance with this section, the City Public Works Director may authorize in writing the placement of a donated or loaned City standard functional item, in locations meeting, at a minimum, the clearance requirement of AMC Chapter 10.64 or in approved locations shown on an adopted Downtown Sidewalk Usage Map. Items not strictly complying with minimum standards for such City functional items, (e.g., a decorative art bench) may be permitted through the public art process in AMC Chapter 2.17. (Ord. 3192 § 91, amended, 11/17/2020; Ord. 3137, amended, 2017; Ord. 3028, amended, 08/03/2010; Ord. 2989, amended, 11/01/2009)