In order for a utility company to place their facilities (pipes, wires, poles, etc.) in the County road right-of-way, they must have a franchise agreement in place with Pierce County. The franchise agreement details the specific conditions and requirements for the utility company.

All entities that are providing utility service for a fee to customers must have a franchise agreement (with the exception of AT&T and Qwest who have rights that pre-date the state law on franchises).

Please contact our office at (253) 798-7250 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (business days).

A technician can look up your address and provide you will all utility companies that are franchised in your area.

For complaints about the service of a utility company, contact the Washington Utility and Transportation Commission at (800) 562-6150. They are the state regulatory agency responsible for investigating and enforcing utility issues.

Pierce County does not enforce complaints against utility companies except for complaints about the condition of a roadway where a utility company was working.

There are currently more than 150 franchised utility companies in Pierce County ranging from county-wide service providers to companies that provide service to fewer than 10 homes. Please contact our office to get contact information. (253) 798-7250

Depending on the magnitude of the work a utility company plans to perform, there are permits required. The specific information on classes of utility permits is detailed in the Manual on Accommodating Utilities.

Class A (no permit form required)
Class B
Class C
Permit Fee Schedule