A Franchise is a right or special privilege granted by the City of North Las Vegas to a business, allowing them to operate and use public rights-of-way (ROW); such as roads, sidewalks, and utility corridors - for essential public services. Types of businesses that may require a franchise agreement may include, but are not limited to, telecommunications, wireless, electric, gas, cable, video services, ambulance, waste disposal, and recycling providers. Franchises are generally nonexclusive but may be exclusive depending on the industry. Both nonexclusive and exclusive franchises require a contract with the City and payment of a franchise fee.

The City Manager’s Office, is responsible for the administration of franchises and other agreements between the City of North Las Vegas and businesses that use the City's rights-of-way or its municipal assets to provide services to the public. These agreements outline the rules, rights and fees associated with using public property for a private purpose.

The city does not administer the types of franchises that are associated with a particular trademark such as certain automobile dealerships, restaurants, convenience stores, hotels and other retail or service businesses that operate pursuant to a private agreement with the owner of the trademark under a prescribed marketing and operating system.

Franchise Agreement & Right-of-Way License Application Checklist

Businesses seeking a Franchise Agreement or Right-of-Way License with the City of North Las Vegas must follow the application process outlined below. Use this checklist to help you gather required information and documentation. Applicants are responsible for complying with federal, state, and local laws & regulations.

Step 1: Submit a Written Request to the City Manager with Required Information & Documentation

✅ Submit a letter request to the City Manager at CNLVAgreements@CityofNorthLasVegas.com, in compliance with City of North Las Vegas Municipal Code, Chapter 12.20, requesting a Franchise or Right-of-Way License detailing your company information, contact information and purpose of the request.  Attach the following applicable information: 

✅ For Public Utilities (excluding cable television services): Provide the information required by NRS 709.060, which includes:

• The name of the applicant and the requested franchise term (not exceeding 25 years).
•  If applicable, for street railway applications, designate the proposed route and specify the width of the right-of-way required.
• A map detailing the proposed route or right-of-way for street railways, light, heat, power, or telephone lines, including locations where gas or water mains will be installed.

✅ For Public Utilities providing Cable Television Services: Submit a general description of the facilities anticipated to be installed in the rights-of-way during the first year of the agreement or renewal (to the best of the applicant's knowledge at the time of application).

✅ Copy of City Utility or Business Licenses: Attach copies of all relevant city-issued utility or business licenses related to the applicant’s activities within the rights-of-way.

✅ List of Users: Provide a list of persons or entities that will use the applicant’s facilities in the rights-of-way to provide subscription services (if known at the time of application).

Step 2: City Review & Certification

✅ Once the application is submitted, the City Manager or his or her designee, will review and certify its completeness. If the application is not complete the City will notify the applicant of additional required information needed.

✅ If the application is deemed complete, it will be reviewed by the applicable City departments and the City Attorney’s Office.  

✅ A City representative will notify applicant if there are questions and work with the main contact noted in the initial letter request to the City Manager to finalize the agreement to be presented to City Council for approval or denial.  

Step 3: Public Notice (NRS 709.070)

✅Notice of the application must be published in accordance with NRS 709.070, which requires:

• The applicant to deposit the cost of publication with the City before the notice is issued.
•  The notice to be published once per week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.

The notice to include:

• The name of the applicant.
• A general description of the franchise, right, or privilege requested.
• The date of the hearing where the application will be considered.
• A statement that written objections must be filed with the City Clerk before the hearing, or presented in person at the meeting.

Step 4: Agreement will be added to the City Council Agenda for approval or denial

✅ City Team members will ensure the agreement is added to the appropriate City Council agenda. The applicant will be notified when the item has been placed on the agenda.  

✅ Applicant should be ready to present its application to the City Council at the City Council meeting.  

Additional Notes:

• Ensure all required documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Incomplete applications may be delayed or returned for additional information.
• If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of the City Manager at CityManager@CityofNorthLasVegas.com.

This checklist serves as a general resource to guide applicants through the process. Compliance with all municipal, state, federal laws and regulations, including NRS 709.060 and NRS 709.070, is required.