Utility Franchise Agreements - Phoenix, AZ

Introduction

Phoenix, Arizona maintains utility franchise agreements that govern use of public rights-of-way by gas, electric, water, telecom, and cable providers. This guide explains where to find executed franchise agreements and ordinance records, how to request copies, what departments enforce terms, and the administrative steps to obtain full or redacted documents in Phoenix.

Where to find official franchise agreements

Franchise ordinances and the controlling municipal code are available through the city code publisher and the City Clerks public-records services. Use the municipal code search to identify adopting ordinances and the City Clerk for executed agreements and staff records^[1][2].

Typical contents of a franchise agreement

• Grant terms and duration (start and end dates).
• Permitted uses of rights-of-way and construction standards.
• Compensation terms, franchise fees, or revenue-share formulas.
• Insurance, bonding, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Compliance, inspection, reporting, and enforcement procedures.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of franchise terms in Phoenix is typically the responsibility of the department named in the agreement and the City Attorneys office for legal action; breaches may also be brought to City Council attention. Specific fines and civil penalties for franchise violations are set by ordinance or by the agreement itself; where those amounts are not published on the municipal page cited below, they are noted as not specified on the cited page^[1].

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures: not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: injunctions, orders to remedy, suspension or revocation of rights, and referral to court are possible under ordinance or agreement terms.
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: City Clerk for records and the department listed in the franchise agreement handle compliance; public complaints and enforcement inquiries go to the listed department or the City Attorneys office. Contact the City Clerk for executed agreements and official contacts^[2].
• Appeal/review routes and time limits: procedural appeal steps are governed by the specific ordinance or agreement; if not shown, time limits are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences and discretion: permits, prior approved variances, or documented remedial action may provide defences where the agreement or ordinance allows.

Applications & Forms

To obtain copies of franchise agreements you generally submit a public records request to the City Clerk or use the Citys records portal; the City publishes instructions for requesting records but may not publish a dedicated "franchise copy" form. Fee schedules for copy or retrieval fees are published on the City Clerk public-records page or provided on request; if a specific fee for franchise copies is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page^[2].

• Form name: Public records request (online portal or written request) — submission via the City Clerks public records process.
• Fees: not specified on the cited page.
• Deadlines: Phoenix responds consistent with public records law; specific days to production are not specified on the cited page.

How to obtain copies

1. Identify the franchise by utility name, ordinance number, or effective date using the municipal code or ordinance index.^[1]
2. Search the citys municipal code publisher for the adopting ordinance and note any referenced agreement documents.^[1]
3. Submit a public records request to the City Clerk requesting the executed franchise agreement and any related exhibits or amendments; include identifying details and preferred delivery format (PDF or printed).^[2]
4. Pay any applicable retrieval or copying fees as directed by the City Clerk.
5. If a record is withheld in whole or part, follow the Citys review and appeal process described by the City Clerk or seek judicial review where permitted.

Common violations

• Unauthorized excavation or work in rights-of-way.
• Failure to obtain required permits or inspections.
• Late or missing payments of franchise fees.

FAQ

Who holds signed franchise agreements for Phoenix?

The City Clerk maintains executed franchise agreements and city records relating to franchise ordinances.

How do I request a copy?

Submit a public records request to the City Clerk with the utility name and ordinance reference if known.

Are there fees or processing times?

Fees and processing times follow the Citys public records policy; specific amounts are provided by the City Clerk on request.

How-To

1. Locate the franchise ordinance or utility name in the municipal code or ordinance index.^[1]
2. Prepare a public records request with identifying details and preferred format.
3. Submit the request via the City Clerks portal or by email as instructed on the City Clerk page.^[2]
4. Respond to City Clerk queries, pay any fees, and receive the documents electronically or by mail.
5. If records are withheld, use the City review process or seek legal review.

Key Takeaways

• Franchise agreements are official city records held by the City Clerk.
• Start with the municipal code to identify ordinance numbers and referenced agreements.
• Contact the City Clerk for requests, fees, and appeal procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

• City Clerk s Public Records and Records Request
• City of Phoenix Code of Ordinances (Municode)
• City of Phoenix official site

1. [1] City of Phoenix Code of Ordinances (Municode) - franchise ordinances and municipal code
2. [2] City Clerk Public Records - how to request executed agreements and record copies