TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Anne McIntosh, Community Development Director
Stephanie Katsouleas, Public Works Director
Sanford Taylor, Information Technology Director
George Gabriel, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Letter of Opposition Regarding Senate Bill 649 - Wireless "Small Cell" Communication Facilities Discretionary Review (Community Development Director McIntosh, Public Works Director Katsouleas and Information Technology Director Taylor).
OPPOSE LEGISLATION
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council write a letter opposing Senate Bill (SB) 649 to the California State Assembly, State Senator Ben Hueso, the Committee on Communications & Conveyance, and the League of California Cities.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
No fiscal implications associated with the recommended action but if the bill passes, it may hinder potential revenue the City generates in the future.
BACKGROUND:
Authored by State Senator Ben Hueso (D-40-San Diego), Senate Bill (SB) 649 proposes to reduce local control and fees over small cell siting in the public right-of-way. This bill grants cell providers access to locally owned infrastructure within the public right-of-way and in commercial and industrial zones and prohibits local discretionary zoning review.
Proponents have noted that SB 649 streamlines the regulatory process for small cell antennas and decreases gaps in cell phone coverage.
For purposes of this summary, "small cell" is defined as wireless telecommunications equipment used by cell providers to provide cell service.
Specifically, this bill:
1. Establishes that a small cell is a permitted use not subject to a city or county discretionary zoning review or discretionary permit if it satisfies the following requirements:
a. Complies with all applicable state and local health and safety regulations.
b. Is n...
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