What is the application process for a 5G facility?

Applicants should review the Summary of APP 36.2 submittal review requirements (link). This establishes guidelines to regulate, control, and authorize small wireless facilities in the public rights-of-way to preserve the public peace, health, safety, and welfare. The current process is:

  1. The small cell 5G wireless provider identifies a location for this Small Cell Wireless Facility 
  2. The City approves the site location, aesthetics, equipment, and right-of-way management 
  3. The City issues a Street Light Authorization (SLA) for all street light replacements when required
  4. SCE designs the electrical system 
  5. The City permits new pole and the electrical system 
  6. The City permits 5G provider to install the small cell wireless equipment 
  7. The City permits connection to fiber utility 

Show All Answers

1. How will 5G be used by city residents and businesses?
2. What control does the City have over 5G small cell facilities?
3. Who governs the location of wireless facilities?

The City reviews and approves the location of individual wireless applications within parameters established by both federal and state laws.

Collectively, these federal and state laws prohibit cities from:

  1. Denying a carrier the ability to provide service either through explicit prohibitions (example: banning new wireless facilities) or through actions that effectively prohibit service. 
  2. Denying wireless applications based on health concerns, such as those expressed about radio frequency emissions. 
  3. Stalling or failing to make a decision.  The Telecommunications Act imposes a short time frame, often referred to as a shot clock, for a city to review a wireless application.  Failure for a city to act results in the application being automatically approved without the ability to impose conditions of approval.
  4. Denying a carrier from using the public right-of-way to install their equipment. 


4. What is the City doing to regulate 5G facilities?
5. Can potential health effects prevent these installations from being approved?

Federal law (Telecommunications Act of 1996) prohibits cities from considering health impacts when taking action on a wireless application if it meets the radio frequency levels established by the FCC.  

6. Can the City require fiber underground as an alternative?
7. What is the application process for a 5G facility?
8. What control does the City have between public and private site installations?
9. What type of facilities could be used for small cell wireless (5G) equipment?
10. What is the status of application for 5G sites in the City?
11. Is there an appeal process for approved 5G sites?