The Vacaville Planning Commission unanimously approved draft regulations for wireless carriers that wish to install small cell facilities on city-owned light poles, according to The Reporter. The proposed amendment outlines that small cells would have to be installed on existing or approved structures “whenever possible” while maintaining the “character and integrity” of the structure and only one carrier per pole will be permitted.
City staff began working on a code amendment after seeing legislation regarding small cells two or three times, senior planner Tyra Hays said. They could have ended up with what Hays called “Franken-poles,” showing an image of several box-shaped devices clustered on a pole.
If the city council approves this amendment, major wireless carriers will be required to enter into a master license agreement with the city before they apply to install small cells on city-owned light poles. Small cells would not be allowed on other city-owned structures or facilities in the public right-of-way. Additionally, a structural analysis must be completed to assess the pole before a carrier places a small cell on it, Hays said. Ultimately, the public works director would be able to deny any application for any reason.
Under the proposed amendment, carriers will be required to pay an initial cost of $4,000 to the city plus $1,500 in rent per pole, with a three percent annual escalator. The carrier will also incur a security deposit payment.
The city council could take up these requirements as early as July 10, according to The Reporter.
June 25, 2018
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