How is it that other cities have successfully prohibited cell towers near residences? For example: Palo Alto, Burlingame, Hillsborough near here but there are others.

We are not aware of any cities, including those mentioned, with an outright prohibition on installations in residential zones. In fact, to do so would violate the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Some cities that have attempted to impose such bans, or who have denied small cell facilities in residential areas (such as the City of San Bruno recently did at 123 Elm), have been sued in federal court by the carriers.

If a proposed FCC order goes into effect as scheduled in January 2019, it would prohibit cities from requiring carriers to prove that there is a "significant gap" in coverage and that they are using the "least intrusive alternative" to fill that gap. Instead, the FCC order establishes a new standard to govern local regulation. Pursuant to this new standard, cities cannot "materially inhibit" a carrier from competing "in a fair and balanced legal and regulatory environment," or from "densifying a wireless network, introducing new services, or otherwise improving service capabilities."

Along with more than 50 other cities nationwide, the City issued the FCC to block the implementation of the proposed order. See this FAQ.

Show All Answers

1. What is a small cell facility?
2. What is Public Right of Way?
3. What is the range of these systems?
4. Can the City prohibit the installation of wireless telecommunication facilities?
5. What is the status of the small cell application submitted by Verizon for 123 Elm?
6. What is the status of the other small cell applications seeking approval of proposed installations in residential zones?
7. What is the City doing to advocate for residents who disagree with Federal and State laws allowing small cell installations in residential areas?
8. What is 5G? How does it relate to current installations of wireless telecommunications facilities? What are requirements for 5G?
9. Which agency establishes limits for radio frequency (RF) emissions?
10. How can I get more information about my health concerns?
11. Can Local and State governmental bodies establish limits for RF exposure?
12. Is a permit required from the City for these installations?
13. Are these facilities subject to the California Environmental Quality Act or additional environmental review?
14. Who legally owns the poles or wires? Who can legally attach equipment?
15. Do other cities have these small cell systems?
16. Are cities allowed to impose a moratorium?
17. How is it that other cities have successfully prohibited cell towers near residences? For example: Palo Alto, Burlingame, Hillsborough near here but there are others.
18. Are carriers allowed to put small cells on schools? Near schools? Near Parks?
19. My house is a cell phone "dead spot." Will the installation of small cell facilities help?
20. Can the city limit only one vendor per pole? How likely will be it that there are multiple small cell antenna installations on the same pole?
21. I have more Radio Frequency (RF) emission questions – where else can I obtain information?