District Of Columbia § 34-1254.03 - Evaluation of an initial franchise application.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 34-1254.03 — Evaluation of an initial franchise application., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-1254.03. Evaluation of an initial franchise application.
34-1254.03Within 45 days after receiving an application under , the Office shall certify the application as complete or shall transmit to the applicant a description of missing information and the time by which the missing information must be provided.
Upon certifying the application as complete, the Office shall have published in the District of Columbia Register a Notice of the Filing of an Application for a Cable Franchise, which shall contain the name of the applicant, the nature of the application, and a description of the procedures under this chapter.
Within 120 days after certifying an application as complete, the Office shall determine whether the applicant has the ability and commitment to adequately provide cable service in the District and to meet the cable-related needs and interests of the District and of District residents. In making this determination, the Office may procure the assistance of qualified technical, financial, and legal consultants.
In determining the ability and commitment of an applicant to adequately provide cable service in the District and to meet the cable-related needs and interests of the District and of District residents, the Office shall consider the following:
Whether the proposed plans for the cable system are feasible and reasonable, considering the applicant’s legal, financial, and technical resources and abilities and any other relevant factors;
Whether the applicant has the ability, willingness, and commitment to construct, operate, and maintain a state-of-the-art cable system in the best interests of the District and of District residents;
Whether the applicant has the ability to adapt to and implement new technologies, services, and programming;
Whether the proposed cable system will serve the public interest and meet the cable-related needs of the District;
Whether the applicant has had a previous franchise application denied by the District or any other franchising authority;
Whether the applicant has filed materially misleading information in its application or intentionally withheld information that the applicant is required to provide;
Whether the applicant has demonstrated a willingness and the ability to comply with the requirements of this chapter and any regulations promulgated under this chapter; and
Any other relevant information.
In making a determination under this section, the Office may hold a public hearing to receive testimony on the applicant and the application. The Office shall have a notice of the hearing published in the District of Columbia Register and shall hold the hearing on no less than 15 days notice. The Office may consider multiple applications at a hearing.
In making a determination under this section, the Office may accept written and oral testimony and any other materials relevant to the application or its determination.
If the Office determines that an applicant does not possess the ability and commitment to adequately provide cable service in the District and meet the cable-related needs and interests of the District and District residents, the Office shall give the applicant additional time, not to exceed 90 days, and shall in writing indicate the deficiencies in the application and recommend how the applicant can correct the deficiencies. If the applicant, after the additional time, remains unable to meet the standards of this section, the application shall be denied. The Office shall transmit to the Council a notice of denial of application and shall set forth the reasons for the denial.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 34-1254.03
What does D.C. Code § 34-1254.03 cover?
Section 34-1254.03 ("Evaluation of an initial franchise application.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 34-1254.03?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 34-1254.03" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 34-1254.03 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.