Portland’s Utility License Law that may require you to obtain a Utility License ("License").  The Utility License Law is City Code Section 7.14 and is on the web at http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?c=28809.

The City of Portland requires any utility operating in Portland to obtain a License every calendar year.  A "Utility" is defined in Code Section 7.14.040.H as follows:  “Utility” means the business of supplying electrical energy, gas, district heating or cooling, water, cable, communications, or other services through or associated with telecommunications utility, telephone or coaxial cable, sewage disposal and treatment, and other operations for public service but does not include transportation service, railroad operations, or services otherwise licensed under this Title.

Utilities operating in Portland are subject to the Utility License Law regardless of whether they have a franchise agreement or other similar authority to be in the right of way.  However, a franchisee may not be required to obtain a license if its franchise fee payments are equal to or exceed the amount owed under the Utility License Law.  Code 7.14.050.B, 7.14.070.  If your company only provides Internet Access or Internet Access Service within the meaning of the Federal Internet Tax Freedom Act (47 USC 151), it is exempt from the Utility License Law requirements.

All other utilities will need a License regardless of whether or not the utility owns or uses physical facilities in public streets.  Thus, a License is required of all wire line telecommunications companies including VOIP providers and any utility that resells lines or services from Qwest or others ("resellers").

There is no cost or fee to apply for or receive a License.