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Commission forwards code change moving small‑wireless rules to engineering title, updates technical drawings
Summary
Saratoga Springs planning commissioners recommended approval of a city‑initiated amendment to relocate small wireless facility regulations from Title 19 to Title 8 and adopted updated standard technical specifications, including new light‑pole attachment and foundation details.
The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission voted to forward a city‑initiated code amendment that moves small wireless facility regulations from Chapter 19.05 of the Land Development Code into the city’s engineering title and adopts updated standard technical specifications and drawings.
Planner Sam Stout explained the change: the procedural language currently in Title 19 will instead direct applicants to Title 8 (engineering), where the technical standards and construction details will reside. Engineer Ken Knight described the drawings updates: the city is removing an older multi‑antenna detail and replacing it with details for small wireless facilities attached to light poles and a freestanding multi‑carrier pole, including a foundation detail to match existing street light designs.
Commissioners exchanged technical and policy questions but heard no public comment. Commissioner Hill said it is wise to address small‑cell siting as technology evolves and observed that small cells are part of how carriers deploy 5G in dense areas; Hill said the updated standards will help reduce reliance on large cell towers. Commissioner Miles said the change should make it easier for carriers to deploy more, smaller sites by lowering height/cost barriers.
Action taken: the commission forwarded a recommendation for approval of the code amendment to Chapter 19.05.03 and the updates to the standard technical specifications and drawings, with the findings and conditions in the staff report. The motion was made by Commissioner Mann, seconded by Commissioner Miles, and passed unanimously.
Staff noted there are currently no small wireless facilities installed in the city under the new standards; the amendment is intended to provide a clear approval path and technical template for future applications.
