Yesterday, New York City’s Committee on Housing and Buildings discussed three proposals for regulating cell sites and equipment. The New York Times reports:
The proposals would require property owners to tell the city if cellular equipment impedes building inspections, and would require phone companies to place equipment in nonresidential areas whenever possible. Also included in the bills are a codification of rules governing how equipment must be mounted or attached and a requirement that community boards and City Council members be notified when companies apply for permits to install equipment.
Monday, December 6, San Francisco’s Land Use & Economic Development Committee will consider San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos’ legislation instituting a new permitting process for wireless facilities proposed for the City’s public rights-of-way, which requires public notification and, if a member of the public files an appeal, discretionary review of the proposed installation.
Public right-of-way installations, especially in residential areas and near schools, have caused controversies around the country due to public concerns about low-level radiation exposure and effects on property values.
Most recently in Los Angeles, a public right-of-way installation of a 52 foot T-Mobile site in a Sherman Oaks neighborhood angered residents who are demanding its removal.
Glendale’s new wireless ordinance discourages cell sites in residential areas, unless a carrier can prove the site cannot be located elsewhere, and requires setbacks for public right-of-way installations.