Arapahoe County commissioners direct staff to advance wireless-communication code update to public review

Ernie Rose, senior planner in Arapahoe County Public Works and Development, told commissioners during an afternoon study session that staff is seeking direction to advance a county-initiated code amendment that renames the current “commercial mobile radio service” (CMRS) section to “wireless communication facilities” (WCF) and reorganizes related rules.

The draft consolidates definitions, places routine replacement or modest equipment changes under the building-permit process, adds a formal abandonment and revocation provision, and revises the county land-use table to distinguish attached antennas, alternative tower structures, small-cell facilities and temporary towers. "The proposed amendment switches the title of our current code from commercial mobile radio services to wireless communication facilities," Rose said.

Why it matters: the update is intended to reflect current telecommunications technology and federal and state law, streamline administrative processing for minor equipment swaps, and require applicants to demonstrate why alternative locations are not feasible for new tower structures. Clarion, a consultant, prepared the draft update for county…