San Diego Electric & Gas Franchise Agreements - Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 05, 2026 Flag of California

San Diego, California maintains franchise agreements and approvals that govern how electric and gas utilities use public rights-of-way and deliver services within city limits. This guide explains the legal framework, which departments manage agreements, typical obligations for utilities, how enforcement works, and practical steps for applying, appealing, or reporting violations under city authority. It is intended for municipal staff, utility representatives, developers, and residents affected by utility works in public rights-of-way.

Scope & Authority

Franchise agreements for electric and gas service in San Diego are implemented under the citys municipal authorizations and specific franchise ordinances and agreements. The controlling municipal code and any executed franchise ordinances or council resolutions set terms for use of public rights-of-way, maintenance, relocation, and restoration obligations. For the consolidated municipal code and ordinance texts, see the City of San Diego municipal code resources Municipal Code - City of San Diego[1].

Key Obligations for Utilities

  • Obtain and comply with the franchise agreement and any required permits for excavation, restoration, and pole or conduit placement.
  • Coordinate work schedules and traffic control with city departments when working in the public right-of-way.
  • Maintain records of inspections, restorations, and communications with the city for audit and compliance.
  • Restore pavements and infrastructure to city standards after construction or repairs.
Notify the city before starting right-of-way work to avoid stop-work orders.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of franchise agreements and right-of-way conditions in San Diego is handled through the city departments designated in the franchise instrument and applicable municipal code provisions. Specific penalty amounts and procedural fines are established in the controlling ordinance or municipal code where stated; where amounts or escalation criteria are not published on the cited municipal page, 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 distinctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct or restore, suspension or revocation of franchise privileges, and court enforcement actions may be imposed depending on the agreement terms.
  • Enforcer: the city department identified in the franchise (commonly Real Estate Assets or the department administering public works and permits) enforces compliance and issues notices to the franchisee; citizen complaints may be routed to code enforcement or the permitting department.
  • Inspection & complaint pathways: submit complaints or report unsafe work via the citys permitting or code enforcement contact pages; see Help and Support / Resources below for department links.
  • Appeals & review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by the franchise agreement or municipal appeal process; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Defences & discretion: defenses such as valid permits, emergency work, or previously granted variances are typically recognized per the franchise terms and city discretion, if provided by the governing ordinance or agreement.

Applications & Forms

Applications, permits, or forms required for franchise-related work depend on the franchise terms and the type of right-of-way work. The municipal code resources list permitting authorities and referenced forms; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission procedures are not consolidated on the cited municipal code page and should be obtained from the administering city department or the permit portal.[1]

Some franchise agreements require bonds or insurance certificates prior to work commencing.

FAQ

What is a franchise agreement for utilities?
A franchise agreement grants a utility the right to use public rights-of-way under terms that cover placement, maintenance, relocations, and restoration obligations.
Who enforces franchise obligations in San Diego?
Enforcement is by the city department named in the franchise instrument and relevant permitting or code enforcement offices; see resource links below.
How do I report a potential violation?
Report issues to the citys permitting or code enforcement office using the official contact pages listed in Help and Support / Resources.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether a franchise exists for the utility by consulting the citys municipal code and franchise records.
  2. Contact the administering city department to request the controlling franchise document and list of required permits.
  3. Apply for the necessary permits through the city permit portal and provide bonds, insurance, and restoration plans as required.
  4. Coordinate inspections and comply with restoration orders; if cited, follow appeal procedures set out by the city or franchise agreement.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise agreements control utility use of public rights-of-way and assign obligations for construction and restoration.
  • Enforcement and appeal procedures are set by the franchise instrument and administering city departments.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - City of San Diego: franchise and permitting resources

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