Small Wireless Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
Background
Small Wireless Facilities are low-powered cellular radio access nodes that help provide wireless services. They typically take the form of small antennas that are placed on existing infrastructure (such as utilities poles or streetlights) and are accompanied by equipment cabinets installed on the pole.
On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted resolution no. 6918 establishing design, sitting and engineering standards for Small Wireless Facilities in the public right-of-way and the use of a Master License Agreement (MLA)(PDF, 340KB). On July 9, 2024, the City Council adopted ordinance No. 1117(PDF, 797KB) adding Chapter 13.32 (Wireless Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way) to Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalk and Utilities) of the Municipal code and adopted an uncodified ordinance adopting certain fees relating to the small wireless facilities permit and site license fee.
Wireless Facilities permit
The installation of small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way requires permits. All companies who wish to install new small wireless facilities on City-owned structures must submit one Wireless Facilities Permit application first via the City’s online permit portal and upon first submission must enter into a MLA prior to issuance of a Wireless Facilities Permit. Any fiber work within the City requires a right-of-way agreement prior to issuance of an encroachment permit. Please review the Small Wireless Facility Permit Submittal package(PDF, 1MB) for all required permits and submittals.
Small Cell Wireless communications and your health
The FCC regulates most aspects of wireless antennas including safety of radio frequency transmissions. The City complies with all regulations set forth by the FCC to alleviate any potential health or safety concern. For more information, please follow these links to the FCC’s Safety FAQ and the Cancer.org safety information.
Related links