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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 11/23/2021 - Memorandum From Will Lindsey Re: Follow Up Items Related To Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan Implementation Community Development & Neighborhood Services Planning & Development Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 970.221.6376 970.224.6111- fax MEMORANDUM Date: November 17, 2021 To: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, Interim City Manager Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation Paul Sizemore, Director of Community Development and Neighborhood Services Rebecca Everette, Planning Manager From: Will Lindsey, Associate City Planner Re: Follow Up Items Related to Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan Implementation __________________________________________________________________ The purpose of this memo is to summarize three follow-up items related to the recently adopted Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan. 1. T-Mobile’s request to authorize a temporary wireless telecommunications facility located at 1800 E. Harmony Rd. Staff is currently coordinating with T-Mobile regarding their request for a temporary facility (known as a cell-on-wheels, or COW). Staff has requested submittal materials that include a site plan, propagation analysis, RF emissions certification, a narrative for the request, and photo-simulations. Additionally, staff is coordinating a mailed notice to properties within 800 feet of the proposed facility to make them aware of the proposal. It is anticipated that the request will come to council as an Ordinance at the December 7th Regular Meeting. 2. Council’s request for an FAQ related to the Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan. At Council’s request, staff has generated a document of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that can be shared with the community. The FAQ is attached to this memorandum and includes common questions and answers related to wireless telecommunication projects, the Master Plan, and small cell facilities. 3. Wireless Telecommunication Land Use Code Updates Staff has scheduled an item to further discuss strategies for implementation of the Wireless Telecommunication Master Plan at the January 25, 2022 Council Work Session. The City’s hired legal consultants, Kissinger and Fellman, are currently reviewing the existing land use standards for wireless telecommunication and formulating recommendations for code amendments. The agenda materials for the January 25 th Work Session will further detail the timeline for the Land Use Code updates. Attachments: Wireless Telecommunication Master Plan FAQ Community Development & Neighborhood Services Planning & Development Services 281 North College Avenue, P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 970.221.6760 Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan - FAQ Why is the City of Fort Collins creating a Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan? New technologies, changes in federal and state regulations, and increasing demand for wireless service mean changes for the types and locations of future wireless telecommunications infrastructure in Fort Collins. The Wireless Telecommunications Master Plan is designed to help the community proactively plan for these changes by identifying areas in the community where future infrastructure is likely to be proposed, minimizing redundant installations, and updating Fort Collins’ policies and Land Use Code standards for wireless infrastructure. What are the next steps now that the Plan is adopted? Now that the Plan is adopted Staff will be working to implement the recommended strategies in the Plan by updating the City’s Land Use Code standards for wireless telecommunication facilities. That work will include additional community outreach as well as future Work Sessions with both the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council to refine the recommended changes. I’m hearing a lot about 5G and small cells – what are they? 5G represents the next evolution of wireless technology, which many wireless carriers are beginning to roll out. Over time, existing wireless infrastructure and equipment in the community is likely to be upgraded to 5G or include new 5G equipment and antennas. Small cells are smaller, lower-powered radio equipment designed to serve more discrete areas within the community, especially compared to a ‘macro site,’ such as taller wireless towers that are generally spaced several miles apart. Recent federal and state level legislation require local jurisdictions to permit small cell equipment within public rights of way (adjacent to public streets, for example). Are there health impacts associated with wireless telecommunications and radiofrequency (RF) emissions? Numerous studies have been completed exploring the link between exposure to radiofrequency (RF) emissions from wireless equipment and cell phones and potential health impacts. A large majority of studies do not conclusively link exposure levels at or below federal standards with adverse health impacts. Online information about these studies and their findings can be found at sources such as the American Cancer Society, World Health Organization, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Who regulates and monitors RF emissions? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for regulating and setting safe standards for exposure to RF emissions. As part of 1996 Wireless Telecommunications Act, state and local jurisdictions are unable to regulate or consider the health or environmental effects of RF emissions in their decision-making for wireless telecommunication infrastructure, although they can require projects to certify that their equipment meets federal standards. What types of regulations can the City establish for wireless telecommunications? The City can set standards and regulations for general locations where infrastructure can be located, as well as physical and compatibility characteristics, such as aesthetics, screening, property setbacks, or compatibility with nearby historic properties or sensitive natural features. Can the City require cellular providers to go to specific areas where service is poor? No, the City cannot require providers to go to specific areas. However, the City will be exploring certain incentives such as expedited review processes for wireless telecommunication as a means of encouraging providers to place infrastructure in currently underserved areas of the community where they have not been permitted to go previously. What types of wireless telecommunication infrastructure is common in Fort Collins? Where are they located? Wireless infrastructure can be found all over Fort Collins, although current standards generally limit installations to industrial, commercial, or mixed-use zone districts. Wireless infrastructure is diverse and can range from older unscreened antenna poles and towers to stealth installations such as fake trees or silos, to building and roof-mounted equipment. There are over 100 sites approved for wireless telecommunications throughout the community and in the adjacent Growth Management Area. See map of installation sites on the following page.