The Washington, D.C., Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Public Space Committee unanimously approved new amendments to its Small Cell Design Guidelines on July 18, allowing standalone poles for node use and approving three standard standalone pole designs. WIA said the rules align with its small cell guidelines that include detailed setbacks and requirements that the new pole aligns with existing streetlights.
Pole height is limited to 30 feet. WIA VP Government Affairs Karmen Rajamani provided written testimony in favor of these rules. In sum, the updated Small Cell Design Guidelines permit small cells on existing and new structures in the public rights-of-way, bringing connectivity throughout the District, according to the association.
The approved Small Cell Guidelines include guidance regarding the placement of the poles but do not include the pole design itself, according to DDOT. The Master License Agreement holders, in consultation with the District and federal agencies, have designed the standalone pole to use where it is infeasible to attach to existing DDOT lights or third-party poles. Standalone pole infrastructure will be owned and maintained by MLA holders and located within public space and, therefore, subject to Public Space Committee review, according to the DDOT.
The agency requires every company to enter into a MLA and obtain permits to deploy infrastructure that meets guidelines adopted by each community to reflect that community’s priorities for its public space.
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