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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 5Ch. 1Art. 3§ 10101 Municipal Utility Infrastructure Rights

§ 10101 Municipal Utility Infrastructure Rights

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

§ 10101 Municipal Utility Infrastructure Rights

This law lets any city or town in the state put in and take care of things like water pipes, gas lines, electric wires, phone lines, and sewers wherever they need to, even if that means going over or under roads, railways, or canals, as long as it’s safe.

Key Takeaways

  • •Cities can build, run, and look after water, gas, electricity, phone, and sewer lines.
  • •They can place these utilities over, under, or across roads, streets, railways, canals, and similar places.
  • •All work must be done safely to protect people and property.

Example

The city wants to replace an old water pipe that runs under Main Street.

Because of this law, the city can dig under the street, put in the new pipe, and then cover it up, making sure the work doesn’t endanger anyone or damage property.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10101 Municipal Utility Infrastructure Rights

There is granted to every municipal corporation of the State the right to construct, operate, and maintain water and gas pipes, mains and conduits, electric light and power lines, telephone and telegraph lines, sewers and sewer mains, all with the necessary appurtenances, across, along, in, under, over, or upon any road, street, alley, avenue, or highway, and across, under, or over any railway, canal, ditch, or flume which the route of such works intersects, crosses, or runs along, in such manner as to afford security for life and property. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

municipal corporationconstruct, operate, and maintainwater and gas pipeselectric light and power linessewers and sewer mainssecurity for life and property

Related Statutes

  • § 10102 Municipal Road Restoration Requirements
  • § 10103 Municipal Street Use Agreement
  • § 2963 Municipal Special Election Procedures
  • § 2964 Ordinance Publication Requirements
  • § 2966 Special Election Canvassing Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 10101.
View Official Source