1.    If, in writing by registered mail, a railroad asserts special circumstances exist, other than the proposed crossing being a serious threat to the safe operations of the railroad or to the current use of the railroad right of way, or imposes additional requirements on a utility for crossing its lines, the utility may object to one or more of the requirements.

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2.    If a utility objects under subsection 1, the utility shall provide notice of the objection and the specific basis of the objection to the railroad by registered mail.

3.    If the parties are unable to resolve the objection, either party may petition the commission for resolution of the objection within thirty days from receipt of the objection.

4.    Before filing a petition, the parties shall confer in good faith in an attempt to resolve the objection.

5.    If a petition is filed, the commission shall issue a notice of hearing or notice of opportunity for hearing within fifteen days after the filing of the petition, and shall determine, within thirty days after the hearing or, if a hearing is not held, after expiration of the period during which a hearing could be requested, whether special circumstances exist which necessitate additional requirements for the placement of the crossing. The order may be appealed in accordance with chapter 28-32. The commission shall assess its costs associated with a petition equitably against the parties. The parties shall pay the costs within thirty days after receipt of a bill for payment from the commission. Amounts collected by the commission under this subsection must be deposited in a special account within the commission.