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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 4Ch. 2§ 7804 Railroad Track Street Permits

§ 7804 Railroad Track Street Permits

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

§ 7804 Railroad Track Street Permits

Key Takeaways

  • •Companies can ask the city to let them put train tracks on streets for up to 50 years.
  • •The city can say yes but with rules, like how much to pay or how to build the tracks.
  • •Trains on these tracks must usually run on electricity or wires—not regular engines.
  • •The city can add more rules later if they think it keeps people safer.

Example

A company wants to build a streetcar line down Main Street.

The city can say yes but make them pay a fee, use electric streetcars, and follow safety rules like speed limits. If the streetcars cause problems later, the city can add new rules.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7804 Railroad Track Street Permits

Authority to lay railroad tracks through the streets and public highways of any city or city and county may be obtained for a term of years not exceeding 50, from the governing body of the city or city and county, under such restrictions and limitations, and upon such terms and payment of license tax, as the governing body may provide. Permission shall not be granted to propel cars upon such tracks otherwise than by electricity or by wire ropes running under the streets and moved by stationary engines except as provided in Section 7813. The governing body in granting the right, or at any time after the right is granted, may impose such terms, restrictions, and limitations as to the use of streets and the construction and mode of operating the road as it deems to be for the public safety or welfare. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

highwaylicenseroadsafetyelectricityauthorityconstruction

Related Statutes

  • § 8033 High Voltage Wire Safety
  • § 131051 County Transportation Project Priorities
  • § 320 Underground Utilities On Scenic Highways
  • § 6294 Franchise Utility Installation Compliance
  • § 7810 Street Railway Safety Standards

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 7804.
View Official Source