Roswell Utility Franchise Rates & Safety Inspections

Utilities and Infrastructure Georgia 5 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Georgia

Roswell, Georgia requires utilities operating in the city to follow franchise and safety rules enforced by municipal departments. This guide summarizes where rates and franchise obligations appear in the city code, how safety inspections are handled for utility infrastructure, enforcement and appeals, and practical steps to apply for permits, report hazards, or request inspections.

Franchise Rates and Agreements

Franchise fees and rate-related obligations for utilities are established by the City of Roswell ordinances and executed through franchise agreements with specific providers. The municipal code and ordinance history govern the terms; specific fee percentages or formulae are set in individual agreements or code sections rather than a single consolidated table. See the city code for ordinance language and franchise provisions Roswell Code of Ordinances[1].

  • Franchise fee amounts: not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Individual franchise agreements may contain distinct rate or payment schedules; review the specific ordinance or contract Roswell Code of Ordinances[1].
  • Responsible office for franchise administration: consult the City Clerk and Finance or Administrative Services for executed agreements Roswell Public Works / Utilities[2].
Check the specific franchise ordinance or contract to confirm any percentage or calculation method.

Safety Inspections for Utility Infrastructure

Safety inspections for utilities — including poles, conduit, gas lines (within public right-of-way), and related infrastructure — are coordinated by the City departments responsible for public works, community development and, where applicable, third-party utility operators. Routine permitting inspections for work in the public right-of-way or on private property that affects public safety are handled by Community Development and Public Works.Community Development[3]

  • Types of inspections: permitting inspections, right-of-way inspections, and complaint-triggered safety inspections [3].
  • Who may inspect: city building/inspections staff and authorized public-works inspectors; utilities may be required to allow or schedule inspections [3].
  • To request an inspection or report a safety concern, use the Community Development or Public Works contact pages Community Development[3] and Public Works / Utilities[2].
Report hazardous utility conditions immediately using the city's official contact or online reporting form.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of franchise terms, rate noncompliance, and safety violations is undertaken by the City enforcement units identified in city ordinances and by the departments with jurisdiction over utilities and building safety. The municipal code and relevant department procedures set fines, penalties and remedies; specific monetary fines and escalation schedules are contained in individual ordinance sections or administrative rules and are not consistently listed in a single summary on the cited pages.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check the specific ordinance section or franchise agreement for amounts [1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment is governed by ordinance language or agreement terms and is not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, work stop-orders, suspension of permits or franchise privileges, seizure or court action may be authorized by ordinance; exact remedies vary by code section [1].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Community Development and Public Works handle inspection and enforcement; contact details are on their department pages Community Development[3] and Public Works / Utilities[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits (for administrative orders or fines) depend on the ordinance or permit conditions; where the code is silent, the permit or franchise agreement will specify appeal deadlines — if not found, it is not specified on the cited page [1].
If you receive an enforcement notice, note the appeal deadline on the notice and act promptly.

Applications & Forms

Common applications related to utilities and inspections include right-of-way permits, building permits for work affecting utility services, and encroachment permits. The city publishes permit forms and submittal instructions through Community Development or the Public Works permitting portal. If a named form or fee is required, it will be listed on the department's permit pages; if no form is shown on the cited pages, state that the specific form is not published there.

  • Right-of-way/encroachment permits: see Community Development / Public Works permit pages for forms and fees Public Works / Utilities[2].
  • Fees: specific fee schedules are published with each permit type or in fee resolution documents; if absent on the department page, the fee is not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Submission: permits and forms are generally submitted online or at Community Development; check the department page for current submission method [3].
Some permits require coordination with utility owners in addition to the city's permit application.

Action Steps

  • To confirm a franchise fee or rate, request the enacted franchise agreement or ordinance from the City Clerk or consult the municipal code Roswell Code of Ordinances[1].
  • To report an unsafe utility condition, contact Community Development or Public Works immediately via their department contact pages Community Development[3] and Public Works / Utilities[2].
  • To apply for a right-of-way or encroachment permit, download the form or use the online portal on the Public Works or Community Development permit pages [2].

FAQ

How do I find the franchise fee for a utility in Roswell?
Check the specific franchise ordinance or agreement in the Roswell Code of Ordinances; the code provides governing language but individual agreements set the fee amount. Roswell Code of Ordinances[1]
Who inspects utility work in rights-of-way?
Community Development and Public Works coordinate inspections for work in rights-of-way and may inspect for safety compliance. Contact their permit offices to schedule or report issues. Community Development[3]
What if a utility operator refuses to correct a hazard?
The city may issue orders, stop-work directives, or pursue remedies as allowed by ordinance; pursue formal complaint and follow the enforcement notice instructions for appeals. See enforcement sections of the city code. Roswell Code of Ordinances[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the issue and its location, and gather photos or documentation.
  2. Check the Roswell Code and department permit pages for relevant ordinance sections or permit requirements Roswell Code of Ordinances[1].
  3. File a report or request an inspection through Community Development or Public Works using the department contact options Community Development[3] or Public Works / Utilities[2].
  4. If you receive an enforcement notice, note appeal deadlines and follow the appeal procedures described in the notice or ordinance.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise fees are set by ordinance or individual agreements; verify the executed agreement for exact amounts.
  • Community Development and Public Works handle safety inspections and enforcement for utilities.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Roswell Code of Ordinances (municipal code)
  2. [2] City of Roswell - Public Works / Utilities
  3. [3] City of Roswell - Community Development

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