Public Hearing On Cell Phone Towers Tonight

In October 2010, Extenet and T-Mobile applied with the Public Works Department to install a cell phone antenna (or tower) within the City. At the time, only regulations existed regarding satellite dishes and other antennae attached to roofs--not those used for cell phones.

Therefore, the City instituted a set of regulations for the placement of such antennae, including notifying residents in the area of the proposed plan and providing a simulated photo of the antenna, according to a staff report. Furthermore, the company must prove the antenna placement will cover gaps in wireless service.

In June, residents received notices about antenna installation. Since then, many have issued complaints about the plan.

Unfortunately, under the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, municipalities such as Burlingame are unable to control the construction and placement of wireless antennae for environmental or health reasons as long as the company complies with all FCC regulations.  Additionally, state regulations bar Burlingame from controlling the location of these towers.

Cities can only stop antenna construction for aesthetic reasons as long as cell phone service to the area is not affected.  A viable alternative must be provided.

In order to manage tower requests, the City plans to draft an ordinance to add to the city zoning ordinance, requiring the owner of the tower to obtain a use permit from the City.

According to a City staff report, the ordinance would:

• provide regulations for all wireless communications facilities city-wide
• encourage latest technology, including “stealth” facilities, to reduce visual impact
• require periodic reporting regarding compliance with federal, state and local laws
• require providers to consolidate, co-locate their facilities
• require information regarding locational need and alternative sites analysis
• include mandatory notification and hearing requirements for facilities within 600-feet of residential districts

The public hearing tonight is solely to determine if the ordinance should be passed. No action will be taken regarding the construction of a tower.

The Planning Commission will hold the hearing it its Monday meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall.