Small Cell Nodes

DRAFT WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY ORDINANCE UPDATE

Revisions to the City of Los Altos’ existing standards for the development of wireless telecommunications facilities, including an ordinance to regulate permissible locations and preferences for the location of wireless facilities. These locational standards, which would replace the locational standards now provided in City of Los Altos Resolution No. 2019-35, would be adopted by ordinance into Chapter 14.82 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.  In addition, the City proposes to expand and supplement existing development standards and design guidelines and preferences for wireless telecommunications facilities contained in Resolution No. 2019-35 by (1) adding a set of basic design principles that would apply to all wireless telecommunications facilities and (2) identifying configuration preferences along with design guidelines for specific types of wireless facilities. 

• Draft Telecommunications Ordinance (January 2022)- Amending Chapter 11.12 and Adding Chapter 14.82

• Draft Guidelines and Standards For Wireless Facilities Resolution (January 2022) 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES PERMIT APPLICATION

This application is for a Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit (WFP) to operate a wireless telecommunications facility within the City of Los Altos. A separate WFP application is required for each new or modified wireless telecommunications facility, including any facility proposed to be co-located with an existing facility, as well as for renewal of an existing WFP within the City of Los Altos, including facilities within a public right-of-way or public utility easement or on private or public property.

• Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit Application Form

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES PERMIT UNDER REVIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

The 30-day public review period for the IS/ND begins on January 26, 2022, and ends on February 24, 2022.  Any person who wishes to comment on the City’s intent to adopt the Negative Declaration must submit written comments no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Written comments may be sent to: Gabriel Engeland, City Manager, 1 North San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022. Comments may also be sent by e-mail to gengeland@losaltosca.gov.

• Initial Study/Negative Declaration 
• Notice of Intent

2019 

AT&T has begun a public outreach campaign as they seek to improve wireless service in the City of Los Altos. Many residents have received a letter from AT&T notifying them of their desire to place a small cell node facility on existing wood utility poles located in the public right-of-way. Verizon has also submitted applications for the placement of small cell nodes and is anticipated to begin a public outreach campaign soon as well. This topic has generated community interest and the City has received feedback from some residents who do not want the small cell nodes to be installed near their homes and also from residents who support the installations for enhanced reception.

At this time, AT&T and Verizon are seeking permits from the City to perform work in the public right-of-way. No permits have been issued.

City Council held a Study Session on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, to learn more about the installation of small cell nodes on existing utility poles. Council directed staff to draft an Ordinance addressing the location of and application process for wireless service providers. 

The City Council is having a special meeting on Tuesday, December 17 to discuss the small cell node applications that have been submitted. View the agenda here. The meeting is at 6 PM in the Los Altos Youth Center (LAYC), and we will be discussing the appeals from Verizon and AT&T. Check back here after the meeting for an update.

RESOURCES

• Verizon Denial Resolution
• AT&T Denial Resolution
• Urgency Ordinance
• Wireless Cell Node Design and Siting Guidelines
• Wireless Cell Node Fee Schedule
• July 9, 2019 City Council Study Session Agenda & Staff Report
• July 9, 2019 City Council Study Session: City Attorney Presentation (.pdf)
• AT&T & Verizon Small Cell Node Application Site List (.pdf)
• Map of Proposed Small Cell Node Locations (.pdf)
• Wireless Provider Small Cell Node Applications
• Letter of Denial - Verizon Location No. 1
• Letter of Denial - AT&T Location Nos. 1-12
• Letter of Appeal - Verizon Location No. 1
• Letters of Appeal - AT&T Location Nos. 1-12