Sunroom Desk

The FCC plans to take up the wireless industry’s request for help bypassing local zoning processes at its November 18, 2009 open meeting. The tentative agenda includes discussion of

Wireless Service Facility Siting: A Memorandum Opinion and Order on promoting the deployment of wireless broadband services by reducing delays in the construction and improvement of wireless networks, while also preserving local zoning authority.

Despite the language above, local zoning authority would be constrained under the industry proposal, because it limits the time frame in which permits can be approved or denied.

Governments, industry associations, community organizations, and individuals can all submit comments on FCC initiatives. I could not find a direct link for comments, but this FCC webpage lists the commissioners’ email addresses. The city of Glendale, California has joined with a coalition of other municipalities around the country to oppose this petition.