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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 4Ch. 1Art. 3§ 7556 Railroad Franchise Approval Process

§ 7556 Railroad Franchise Approval Process

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 7556 Railroad Franchise Approval Process

Key Takeaways

  • •Cities or counties can let train companies build tracks above or below streets, but only for up to 50 years.
  • •The train company must pay a fee (like a license tax) to the city or county.
  • •Before saying yes, the city or county must get a petition signed by most of the property owners along the train’s path.

Example

A train company wants to build tracks under Main Street in your town.

The town can say yes, but only if most of the shop and home owners on Main Street sign a paper agreeing to it. The train company also has to pay the town money for permission.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7556 Railroad Franchise Approval Process

The governing body of a county, city and county, or city, under such regulations, restrictions, and limitations, and upon such terms and payment of license tax as the county, city and county, or city may provide, may grant franchises to railroad corporations for the construction of elevated or underground railroad tracks over, across, or under the streets and public highways of any such county, city and county, or city, for a term not exceeding 50 years. Before granting such franchise there shall be presented to the governing body a petition signed by the owners of a majority of the landed property, other than public property, on the line of the elevated portion applied for. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

corporationpropertyhighwayregulationroadlicenseportpetition

Related Statutes

  • § 7527 Railroad Operations And Powers
  • § 7551.1 Railroad Rights-Of-Way Grants
  • § 30001 Southern California Transit Policy
  • § 3950 Commercial Vehicle Interstate Compliance
  • § 6041 Railroad Mail Carrier Access

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 7556.
View Official Source