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.
In 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1759, updating Ch 10 to provide clarification on management of the right-of-way and expand the licensing program to include utility provider registration. The new code adoption goes into effect August 15, 2025 and can be found HERE.
Utility Registration
Every person that desires to provide utility services to customers within the city shall register with the City prior to providing any utility services to any customer in the city. Registrations must be renewed by December 31st of each year; registrations filed after September 30th will not be required to file an annual registration until December 31st of the following year. Registration and usage fees can be found in the Master Fees & Charges document HERE.
Registration for 2025 will open mid August; utilities can register through the City's online business portal. A link to register will be available soon. Registration fees are paid annually and usage fees shall be remitted quarterly. Remittance forms will be available to registered utilities on this web page in early October 2025.
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. Licenses are issued for 5 year terms and must be renewed by December 31st of the last year of the 5 year calendar term. License and usage fees can be found in section 8 of the Master Fees & Charges document HERE.
Utility License Applications for 2025 will be available mid August; utilities can apply for a license through the City's online business portal. A link to apply for a license will be available soon. Persons that are both a utility operator and utility provider are subject to right-of-way fees applicable to both utility operators and utility providers, however, that person must pay only the greater of the two, or if the fees are the same, the utility operator right-of-way usage fee. License fees are paid every 5 years and usage fees shall be remitted quarterly. Remittance forms will be available to registered utilities on this web page in early October 2025.
