Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Background
In 2008, the City adopted the current wireless telecommunications facilities regulations, which require concealment, or “Stealth Technology,” in the siting of all new wireless telecommunications facilities, except for collocations on an existing structure.
A concealed wireless telecommunications facility must be architecturally integrated with existing buildings, structures and landscaping, including height, color, style, massing, placement, design and shape, and must not stand out as a wireless telecommunications facility when viewed with the naked eye.
The original wireless telecommunications facility ordinance has been incorporated into the Integrated Development Ordinance.
- See "Wireless Telecommunications Facility" in the Allowable Use Table 4-2-1 under the Industrial Use Category and Subcategory Telecommunications, Towers, and Utilities.
- See Use-specific Standards in Section 14-16-4-3(E)(10) that apply requirements in all zones.
- See Table 6-1-1 and Section 6-5(K) and 6-6(O) for review procedures.
Review Process
Please be aware that all proposed wireless telecommunications facilities, including collocations on existing structures, are required to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department. All facilities must comply with the wireless telecommunications regulations found in the Integrated Development Ordinance.
- Reviewed by Urban Design & Development: Any new, concealed wireless telecommunications facilities; all sites zoned SU-1, IP, SC; collocations on concealed facilities regardless of zoning; collocations on non-concealed facilities on sites zoned SU-1, IP, SC.
- Reviewed by Code Enforcement: All collocations on non-concealed wireless telecommunications facilities on “straight zoned” sites; equipment swap-outs that do not affect the concealment of a facility or on existing non-concealed facilities.
New Concealed Facilities & Concealed Collocations
Applications for wireless telecommunications facilities are subject to an application fee of $3,000 for new facilities. Five application forms must be completed. Additionally, the application review checklist that staff uses is included below for informational purposes.
Non-Concealed Collocation & Equipment Swap-Out
Applications for wireless telecommunications facilities collocations are subject to an application fee of $2,000. Swap-outs are subject to building permit plan check fees, the cost will vary. Please contact building and safety for an estimate. Applications are reviewed by code enforcement staff at the zoning front counter, ground floor of the Planning Department.
Forms & Checklists For Urban Design & Development Review:
- Development Review Application
- Form W1: Wireless Telecommunications Facility
- Form W2: Wireless Telecommunications Facility Waiver
- Office of Neighborhood Coordination Forms
- Supplemental Application Form
- Checklist to Determine Whether a Facility is Categorically Excluded (Appendix A - page 16)
- Staff Application Review Checklist
- Creating Buffer Maps in AGIS
Contact Us
- For questions about new facilities and collocations on concealed facilities, call Urban Design & Development at 505-924-3935 or 505-924-3910.
- For questions about collocations on non-concealed facilities, contact Code Enforcement at 505-924-3857.