FCC Resources
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
FCC Tower and Antenna Siting Page
U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996
47 USC 26 (see Sec. 260 for local municipal requirements)
Middle Clas Tax Relief Act of 2012
47 USC 1455 (local municipality handling of “eligible facility” co-location requests (see SEC. 6409)
FCC Initial "Shot Clock" Requirements (press release) (2009)
Summary of FCC Declaratory Ruling 09-99 (2009) that limits time for municipal review before a vote
FCC Thrid Report and Order and Devlaratory Ruling (2018)
(Adopting two new "Shot Clocks" for small-cell sites and clarifying scope of Sec. 253 and 332(c)(7) for small-cell sites.
FCC and Local Zoning - The “Fact Sheet” summary of the proposed new rules.
The full text of the proposed rules.
The FCC is considering changes to how municipalities may review proposed wireless communications facilities in the interest of “streamlining” the local review process. Over 3000 public comments were filed with the FCC regarding this proposed rulemaking from those advocating new restrictions on local review to those opposed to federal preemption of much of the local process. The public comment period is now closed. The next step, if they decide to proceed, is for the FCC to place it on the agenda for a vote by the commissioners. Contact your Congressional respresentatives in the Senate and House of Representatives to voice your comments. Local zoning and planing boards are not able waive or implement changes to federal law and regulations, including human exposure to RF emissions, but often take the heat for the results.