San Francisco Electric and Gas Franchise Application

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of California

Applying for an electric or gas franchise in San Francisco, California requires coordination with city permitting and utilities offices. This guide summarizes which departments enforce franchise agreements, where to find official code text and how to start an application or request city approval.

Overview

Franchises for utilities grant a private company the right to use public rights-of-way or provide regulated services under conditions set by the City and County of San Francisco. Depending on the nature of the installation and the franchise term, approvals may involve the municipal code, franchise agreements, and permits from Public Works or the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission [1] and [2].

Start early: franchise processes can take months due to environmental review and council approval.

Penalties & Enforcement

San Francisco enforces franchise terms through the designated city department or the City Attorney as specified in franchise agreements and municipal rules. Specific monetary fines for franchise violations are not provided on the cited pages; see the official code and franchise terms for amounts and ranges.[1]

  • Enforcer: department named in the franchise agreement (often Public Works or the Public Utilities Commission).
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; amounts depend on the franchise instrument and municipal code.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is set by the agreement or code—specific escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove works, injunctions, revocation or suspension of franchise rights, and civil court actions.
  • Inspections and complaints: inspections arranged by the enforcing department; complaints submitted to the department listed in the franchise or to the City Attorney.
If a franchise includes specific penalty tables, those tables govern enforcement.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes franchise agreements and the municipal code provisions governing franchises; a separate application form may be required by the enforcing department or created as part of a negotiated franchise. Specific application form names, numbers, fees or standard submission portals are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

  • Typical contents: proposed route or facilities, technical drawings, insurance and indemnity language, and compensation terms to the city.
  • Submission: negotiated with the enforcing department; council or board approval is commonly required for long-term franchises.

Application Steps and Practical Actions

  • Step 1: Review municipal code and any existing franchise for the relevant right-of-way or utility type.[1]
  • Step 2: Contact the enforcing department (Public Works or SFPUC) to request guidance and any department-specific forms.[2]
  • Step 3: Prepare technical plans, insurance, environmental review documents, and draft franchise terms for negotiation.
  • Step 4: Submit application and negotiate terms; obtain any required board or council approvals.
Franchise negotiation can require public notice and legislative approval depending on term and scope.

Common Violations

  • Installing facilities outside approved footprints or without permits.
  • Failing to maintain safe right-of-way conditions and traffic control.
  • Nonpayment of franchise fees or required compensation to the city.

FAQ

Who grants electric and gas franchises in San Francisco?
The authority named in the municipal code and the franchise agreement grants and enforces franchises; departments typically involved include Public Works and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.[2]
How long does the franchise process take?
Timing varies with environmental review and council approval; expect several months to a year depending on complexity.
Are there standard fees for filing a franchise application?
Standard filing fees and compensation terms are set in the municipal code or specific franchise instrument; specific fees are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the exact rights-of-way and utility scope you need to franchise.
  2. Review the municipal code and any existing franchise documents relevant to your project.[1]
  3. Contact the enforcing department to request application guidance and required documents.[2]
  4. Prepare and submit technical plans, insurance, environmental documentation, and proposed franchise terms.
  5. Negotiate terms with the city, respond to public review, and obtain council or board approval if required.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise rights involve both municipal code provisions and negotiated agreement terms.
  • Start by contacting the enforcing department early to learn required forms and processes.
  • Expect a timeline that can include environmental review and legislative approval.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Francisco Municipal Code (Municode)
  2. [2] San Francisco Public Utilities Commission - official site

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