Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Background
Since 2008, the City has required concealment, or stealth technology, in the siting of all new Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (WTF), except for collocations on an existing, non-concealed structure or a public utility structure.
A concealed WTF must be aesthetically integrated with existing buildings, structures, and landscaping, including height, color, style, massing, placement, design and shape, and must be located so that it is not readily visible or identifiable as a WTF.
The Integrated Development Ordinance establishes requirements for WTFs.
- See Table 4-2-1: Allowable Uses under the Industrial Use Category and Subcategory Telecommunications, Towers, and Utilities.
- See Use-specific Standards in IDO 14-16-4-3(E)(12) that contain requirements applicable in all zones.
- See Table 6-1-1: Procedures Summary Table and IDO §14-14-16-6-5(H) for review and decision procedures.
Applying for a Wireless Telecommunication Facility
All WTF applications are submitted through ABQ-PLAN.
Please be prepared to submit all required documents prior to starting the application. You may save your progress in the system, but the system will not save any attachments until you submit. Checklists are available below.
New Concealed Facilities & Concealed Collocations
New facilities and concealed collocations are subject to an application fee. Application forms must be completed and the requested information provided. The application review checklist that staff uses is included below for informational purposes.
Non-Concealed Collocation & Equipment Swap-Out
Collocations are subject to an application fee. Modifications are subject to building permit plan check fees; the cost will vary. Please contact the Building Safety Division for an estimate.
Review Process
All proposed WTFs, including collocations on existing structures, are required to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department. All facilities must comply with the WTF regulations in the Integrated Development Ordinance.
- Reviewed by the Current Planning Team: Any new, freestanding or architecturally integrated WTFs; collocations on concealed facilities and collocations on non-concealed facilities.
- Reviewed by Code Enforcement: All collocations on non-concealed wireless telecommunications facilities; equipment swap-outs that do not affect the concealment of an existing facility; small cell WTFs; and most site modifications.
Application Requirements & Checklists
- Wireless Telecommunications Facility Application Requirements
- Wireless Telecommunications Facility Waiver Application Requirements
- Supplemental Application Form
- Checklist to Determine Whether a Facility Is Categorically Excluded (Appendix A - page 16)
- Small Cell WTFs
Resources
Contact Us
- For questions about new facilities and collocations on concealed facilities, please call 505-924-3860 and select the option for Boards, Commissions, and ZHE Signs, and then select the option for the Environmental Planning Commission.
- For questions about collocations on non-concealed facilities, please call 505-924-3860 and select the option for Code Enforcement.