Long Beach Municipal Code Art. XVI Franchises

Plenary control over all uses of the streets and public places in the City of Long Beach is vested in the City. Franchises may be granted to persons, firms or corporations upon such terms, conditions, restrictions or limitations as may be prescribed by the City Council by ordinance, but no franchise shall be granted without reserving to the City adequate compensation for the privilege conferred.

No franchise shall be granted for a period longer than sixty (60) years in, upon, over, across or under any street, highway, alley, or other public place in the City.

An applicant for a franchise, permit or privilege shall file an application with the City Council in the manner and form required by City ordinance or resolution.

Each bidder shall deposit with the City Treasurer a sum of money to reimburse the City for expenses incurred in connection with the processing of the application as set forth by City ordinance or resolution. The procedures for bidding on new franchises, renewals or superseding franchises, and any hearings thereon, shall be set by ordinance.

Nothing in this Charter shall be construed as prohibiting the City Council from inserting in any ordinance which grants any franchise, permit or privilege, such other conditions and requirements, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter, or which the people may, by the initiative process indicate their desire to have inserted.