In addition, the presentation will address: 

• Legal impacts of the FCC regulations on communities
• Concerns such as aesthetics, zoning, ordinances, design standards, and public safety
• Public policies that can effectively manage public rights-of-way
• Collaborating with telecommunication providers and stakeholder agencies to revisit permitting programs and practices
• How to make it easier for jurisdictions to process applications reasonably and expeditiously

The Issue for Local Governments:

On September 26, 2018, the FCC approved an order to enact preemptions of local authority over small cell wireless facility deployment and management of local rights-of-way. Meant to expedite and streamline the national rollout of millions of new cell towers and antennas for 5G deployment, the new FCC ruling is requiring a “shot clock” with mandatory approvals of small cell towers in your community.

This FCC Small Cell Preemption order will:

• Shorten the timecities must process applications for small cells
• Limits permit and recurring fees for small cell deployments
• Prohibit cities from assessing feesbeyond a “reasonable approximation” of “reasonable costs”
• Limit aesthetic review and requirements of facilities, such as small cells and distributed antenna systems (“DAS”) proposed for installation to public rights-of-way