Small Cell Facilities
What is a small cell facility?
A small cell facility is a type of Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) which allow mobile phone service through a network of facilities. Small cell facilities are smaller in size than a typical cell tower or roof-mounted facility, and they help to expand wireless networks.
How are small cell facilities regulated?
Colorado state law requires that local jurisdictions allow small cell facilities in all zone districts and the City right-of-way (ROW). Federal and state governments have placed limitations on the manner in which local governments can regulate CMRS facilities including small cell. This ensures that wireless providers benefit from access to the ROW in the same way as traditional telecommunications and electrical providers. Facilities are most often proposed due to service complaints (i.e. the facility will help address the lack of cell service or poor quality in an area) or due to new development resulting in additional customers in the area.
The City regulates and can require:
- Right-of-way (ROW) and building permits
- Spacing of 1,000 feet between each facility
- Placement on common property lines to prevent facilities from being constructed adjacent to the middle of a property's front yard
- Design requirements including height and color of facility
- Justification of proposed location
The City cannot:
- Prevent some or all small cell facilities within the City
- Prevent a facility from being installed that meets all spacing, location, and design requirements
- Prevent a facility from being installed in a certain zone district or neighborhood street if it otherwise meets the code requirements
- Make the requirements so difficult to meet that facilities are essentially prohibited
Permit Requirements (For Contractors / Providers)
Applications for small cell facilities in the ROW are reviewed by the Building Division for compliance with electrical codes; by the Planning Division for compliance with locational, height, design, and spacing requirements; and by Public Works for conflict with sight distance, utilities, or other ROW improvements.
Permit applications may only be submitted after location eligibility is confirmed by the Planning Division. Contact the Planning Division at zoning@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2846 to confirm the proposed location is eligible, an address will be assigned, and then you can apply for the permit.
The building permit application (for the electrical permit) must include:
- New address (address is assigned by Planning Division staff prior to permit submittal)
- Geographic coordinates
- Site plan showing the proposed location
- Elevations / design drawings showing the proposed height, materials, design, and color
- Electrical plans showing the source of power
- Structural plans (if mounted to existing pole) stamped by a Licensed Colorado Engineer
- Justification for the proposed location and pole type pursuant to Section 26-615.H.2.a of the City Code, including (if applicable) reasoning for why higher-priority locations were not selected
- Written confirmation from the Planning Division that the location is eligible
A Right-of-Way permit application must be submitted to Public Works. Each service provider is required to sign a master license agreement to operate small cell facilities in ROW.