California Code, Government Code - GOV § 50335

The legislative body of a local agency may convey to any public corporation, or private corporation engaged in the public utility business, an easement to lay, construct, reconstruct, maintain, and operate water, sewer, gas or storm drain pipes or ditches, electric or telephone lines, and access roads used in connection therewith, over and upon any land belonging to the local agency, upon such terms and conditions as the parties thereto may agree. Nothing contained herein shall relieve a public utility from any franchise requirement imposed by any law, charter, or ordinance.