Utility Licensing

The Utility License and Use of the Right-of-Way code applies to any current or future entity that provides a utility service and/or uses infrastructure in the right-of-way, whether or not the entity owns the infrastructure in the right-of-way. These entities include companies providing electric, natural gas, cable, or telecommunications services. 

Historically, the City negotiated and managed individual franchise agreements with those providing utilities within the City. These agreements had different terms and conditions, which resulted in different expectations for different right-of-way users. In 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1723, establishing Chapter 10: Utility Licensing and Use of the Right-Of-Way of the municipal code. This shifted utility use of the right-of-way from franchising to licensing in effort to improve efficiency and ensure all entities are treated equitably.  

Utility Licenses

Except those utilities with a valid franchise agreement, every person or business shall obtain a license from the City prior to conducting any work or using the right-of-way. You can download the Utility License Application using the link below. 

Code Revisions

In effort to further support best management of the right-of-way, the Utility License and Use of the  Right-of-Way code is currently being reviewed to provide further clarification to utilities on right-of-way use requirements. We invite the public to participate in this important process by reviewing and commenting on these revisions.  A draft of the provisions can be downloaded using the link below; questions and comments can be submitted to Stephanie Hastings at shastings@westlinnoregon.gov. Comments must be received by March 24, 2025 to be considered.