Wilkesboro’s wireless telecommunications rules have been revised to help prepare for the faster 5G mobile technology, slated to arrive within the next two years, reported the Wilkes Journal-Patriot. Earlier in June, the Wilkesboro Town Council unanimously approved revisions to its Wireless Communications Ordinance, which took effect immediately. According to Assistant Town Manager Bob Urness, a permit for a new wireless communication tower or antenna is $8,000; A substantial modification is $2,500 and a regular modification is $1,500.
Stipulations in the revised ordinance say “no communication towers or antennas can be recognizable as such by the average person from a distance of 250 feet or more” and pre-existing towers and antennas are exempt. Additionally, all antennas, towers and other wireless transmission equipment must be camouflaged.
In the revised ordinance, it states the maximum height for a tower or antenna is 35 feet in or within a half mile of any existing or platted residential area. The maximum height can be 100 feet above pre-construction ground level unless a company can prove that this height will prevent service from being provided in an intended area of town. These heights don’t apply to public rights-of-way.
The Journal-Patriot reported legislation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly and signed into law last year limits the extent to which local governments can regulate wireless service and infrastructure providers, as these companies work to implement 5G technology.
June 21, 2018
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