9-35-3. Grant of franchise subject to approval by voters--Exception.
The governing body may not grant a franchise to any public utility authorizing it to occupy any of the streets, alleys, or public places of the municipality without submitting the proposition of issuing such franchise to a vote of the voters thereof at a general or special election called for the purpose. However, no franchise election is required when granting a franchise to a natural gas utility which is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
Source: SL 1913, ch 119, §123; RC 1919, §6248; SL 1921, ch 310; SDC 1939, §45.1006; SL 1986, ch 79.