City to Issue Guidelines for Small Cell Antennas

Rockville is issuing guidelines for wireless carriers to follow as they install small cell antennas as part of a next-generation 5G network that delivers faster internet and increases cell phone service coverage.

A Federal Communications Commission order, which goes into effect Monday, Jan. 14, preempts many aspects of the city’s ability to regulate the antennas. The order requires local governments to allow the antennas in the right of way; to act on applications to install antennas within 60 or 90 days, depending on the type of installation; and to publish aesthetic standards for the installation. It also regulates the fees that local governments can charge.

Small cell antennas can be a maximum of 3 cubic feet with up to 28 cubic feet of other equipment associated with them. They are intended to provide additional coverage in areas with a high volume of cell traffic, or to fill in areas with marginal coverage.

The city considered a zoning text amendment to regulate the antennas but put the measure on hold pending legislation debated last fall by the Montgomery County Council. On Oct. 30, the County Council president canceled a vote on the legislation. Since then, city staff has been reviewing the order, consulting with telecommunications experts and following how other jurisdictions are reacting.

The guidelines will be published by Jan. 11 at www.rockvillemd.gov/286.