Dallas Franchise Rate Hearing Calendar

Business and Consumer Protection Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Dallas, Texas, franchise rate hearings for utility and franchise agreements are scheduled as public hearings before City Council or designated committees; stakeholders should follow procedures published by the City Secretary and the City Code to request, notice, and participate in hearings.

How hearings are scheduled

Requests to schedule a franchise rate hearing typically begin with a filing or a petition recognized by the City Secretary and placement on a City Council agenda; the City Secretary posts public notices and hearing dates and maintains the official schedule for council and committee meetings[1]. The municipal code sets the legal authority and procedural framework for franchise matters, including any notice and hearing requirements applicable to franchises and rates[2].

Check the City Secretary calendar early to secure a hearing date.

Typical timeline and notice requirements

  • Public notice posting periods - not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code link for details and any specific notice windows stated there[2].
  • Deadline to request placement on an agenda - not specified on the cited page; contact the City Secretary for current cutoffs[1].
  • Submission requirements (supporting evidence, exhibits) - not specified on the cited page and may be set by the City Secretary or the Council agenda rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of franchise obligations, including rate-related violations, is governed by the City Code and may involve administrative orders, civil enforcement, and referral to the City Attorney for litigation; exact monetary penalties and escalation schedules for franchise rate violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page and must be confirmed with the enforcing department or City Attorney[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; the municipal code or ordinance containing a particular franchise may list fines or remedies[2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence structures are not specified on the cited page and depend on the controlling ordinance or council resolution.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, injunctions, termination or amendment of franchise rights, and referral to court are possible remedies under city authority.
  • Enforcer: City Attorney, City Council, and relevant city departments (e.g., Code Compliance) implement or refer enforcement; appeal and judicial review routes depend on the ordinance or council action and are not specified on the cited page[2].
If a specific dollar fine or penalty matters to your case, request the exact ordinance citation from the City Secretary.

Applications & Forms

There is no single, universally published “franchise hearing” form on the cited City Secretary pages; parties typically file requests or petitions with the City Secretary and submit supporting materials per council agenda rules[1]. Contact the City Secretary for required form names, submission method, any fee information, and deadlines.

Procedure at the hearing

  • Present evidence and witnesses according to the time allotment on the agenda or as permitted by the presiding officer.
  • Council or committee deliberates and may take action, refer for staff review, or set further hearings.
  • City departments may be called to provide reports or recommendations during the hearing.
Arrive prepared with printed exhibits and the exact ordinance reference for faster processing.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Failure to comply with franchise reporting or payment obligations — remedies depend on the franchise terms and city action.
  • Noncompliance with required notices or procedural steps — may result in delay or denial of relief.
  • Unauthorized rate changes or billing practices — often leads to council inquiry, required corrective action, or referral to the City Attorney.

FAQ

Who schedules a franchise rate hearing?
The City Secretary places items on City Council or committee agendas after a proper filing or petition is received.
How much notice must the city give before a hearing?
The municipal code and council rules set notice requirements; specific notice periods are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the City Secretary or the controlling ordinance.
Can I appeal a City Council decision on a franchise rate?
Appeal or judicial review paths depend on the ordinance and action taken; the cited pages do not list a universal appeal deadline, so consult the City Attorney or the ordinance language.

How-To

  1. Identify the controlling franchise ordinance or council resolution relevant to the rate case.
  2. Contact the City Secretary to request placement on the agenda and learn submission deadlines[1].
  3. Gather and prepare exhibits, testimony, and a concise statement of the relief requested.
  4. File materials with the City Secretary by the posted deadline and confirm public notice requirements.
  5. Attend the hearing, present your case, and note any council directions or referrals for follow-up.
  6. If applicable, follow payment or compliance instructions ordered by council and track appeal deadlines.
Keep a clear record of filings and council minutes to preserve appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City Secretary to schedule hearings and confirm agenda deadlines.
  • Municipal code controls legal authority; specific fines or escalation steps may not be published on summary pages.
  • For precise procedures, contact the City Secretary and City Attorney early in the process.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Dallas - City Secretary public notices and agendas
  2. [2] City of Dallas Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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