The provisions of this title shall have no application to pipelines, regulators, meters and appurtenances, insofar as the state of California or the Public Utilities Commission has preempted the field or passed specific laws or binding regulations concerning the county, excluding buildings, directly or indirectly for service to the public or any portion thereof by persons, firms or corporations. Said persons, firms or corporations shall first obtain a franchise from the county. (Ord. 409, eff. 7/5/73; Prior code § 86103)