Small Cell Facilities Permitting And Installation

Sections 1 through 4 of the bill clarify that the expedited permitting process established for broadband facilities applies to small cell facilities and small cell networks. Section 1 adds language concerning small cell facilities and small cell networks to a legislative declaration. Section 2 adds statutory definitions of 'antenna', 'micro wireless facility', and 'tower' and amends the definitions of 'small cell facility' and 'wireless service facility'. Section 3 requires a local government to process an application for a small cell facility or a small cell network within 90 days after receiving the completed application. Section 4 declares the siting and operation of small cell facilities and small cell networks are a permitted use in any zone and clarifies the approval process for a consolidated application for multiple small cell facilities or small cell networks.

Sections 6 and 7 clarify that the rights-of-way access afforded to telecommunications providers for the construction, maintenance, and operation of telecommunications and broadband facilities extends to broadband providers as well as small cell facilities and small cell networks and, in conjunction, section 5 defines 'collocation', 'small cell facility', and 'small cell network'.

Section 8 states that if a telecommunications provider or broadband provider complies with applicable law, it has the right to locate or collocate small cell facilities and small cell networks on a local government entity's light poles, light standards, traffic signals, or utility poles in the rights-of-way owned by the local government entity, but prohibits small cell facilities and small cell networks from being placed on structures with tolling collection or enforcement equipment attached.

Section 8 also states that, other than a traffic permit for work that affects traffic patterns or causes lane closures, a local government entity shall not require an application, permit, or payment for the placement, maintenance, or replacement of micro wireless facilities suspended on cables that are strung between existing utility poles in compliance with national safety codes.

Section 9 adds small cell facilities and small cell networks to the types of facilities for which a telecommunications provider or broadband provider may contract with a private property owner to obtain a right-of-way for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the facility.

Section 10 concerns the consent a telecommunications provider or broadband provider must obtain from a political subdivision to erect communications or broadband facilities along, through, in, upon, under, or over a public highway, and adds small cell facilities and small cell networks to the facilities for which the consent is required. Section 10 further provides that a political subdivision shall not create a preference or disadvantage to any telecommunications provider or broadband provider in granting or withholding its consent, and that a decision by a political subdivision denying or limiting the placement of communications or broadband facilities based on the protection of public health, safety, and welfare does not create a preference for or disadvantage a telecommunications provider or broadband provider if the decision does not have the effect of prohibiting the provider from providing service within the service area.

Section 11 makes a conforming amendment.

Section 12 specifies the amount and type of payment a local government or municipally owned utility may receive from a telecommunications provider, broadband provider, or cable television provider in exchange for granting permission to attach small cell facilities, broadband devices, or telecommunications devices to poles or structures that are in a right-of-way and are owned by the local government or municipally owned utility.
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)