CC 5-5-20 Study Session #1 Small Cell_Staff PresentationSTUDY SESSION
5/5/2020
SMALL CELL FACILITIES
What are Small Cells?
●Wireless Antenna
●Placed on Streetlights
●Compared to typical Cell Tower:
Smaller in size
Lower power output
Reduced coverage area
Federal Limitations
●Health Concerns
Cannot deny on health grounds if
within FCC RF limits
●No Prohibitions
Cannot create “impossible” rules
●“Shot Clocks”
Cities have limited time to review
What Has Cupertino Done?
●Set Reasonable Requirements
●Reviews Each Application
●Requires Public Notification
●Established Testing Policy
●Created Acceptable Design
●Works Closely with Providers
5 Stages of Permitting in Cupertino
1)Preliminary Assessment
2)Initial Submittal
3)Public Notification
4)Final Submittal
5)Permit Close Out
Public Notification Comparisons
Cupertino -300’ Radius –14 Days
Campbell -300’ Radius –14 Days
Los Altos -500’ Radius –10 Days
Los Gatos -300’ Radius –20 Days
Mountain View -300’ Radius –7 Days
Palo Alto -600’ Radius –14 Days
Saratoga -Adjacent Properties
San Jose -250’ Radius –20 Days
Sunnyvale -300’ Radius –14 Days
https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/public-
works/permitting-development-services/small-cell-information
City Web-based Notification & GIS Map
Notable Differences from other Cities
●In Person Submittals
●Required Public Meetings
●Onsite Posting
●Spacing Restrictions
●Exceptions Required in Residential Zones
●Setbacks from Residential Structures
●Setbacks from Schools
Recommended Updates
●Supplement design standards
●Create Application and Review Checklists
●Clarify spacing guidelines for carriers facilities
●Clarify MLA’s permit ROW, not PUE’s.
●Require posting on the pole
●Limit facilities within 20’ of residences
●Set min. and max. elevations for antennae
●Consider time and materials permitting fees
Questions?