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Residents press city to review small‑cell/cell‑tower rules; commission asks city attorney to prepare options
Summary
Residents raised concerns about placement of small‑cell 5G facilities; commissioners asked the city attorney to analyze state and federal law and draft ordinance options that comply with preemption limits while addressing local siting and design concerns.
A residents’ group and counsel raised concerns about small‑cell and 5G installations in St. Pete Beach and asked the commission to review the city’s wireless communications ordinance. Commissioners expressed support for further work and asked the city attorney to prepare proposed ordinance language and an analysis of federal and state preemption (including recent state law and anticipated legislative changes) before bringing draft code options back for review.
Staff noted the need to reconcile local design and siting preferences with federal FCC rules and recently enacted state laws. The commission directed the city attorney to examine the existing city ordinance, identify possible local criteria that are legally defensible, and return with draft amendments and a legal memo explaining limits under state and federal law. Commissioners praised the grassroots work by residents and indicated interest in a balanced approach that honors community concerns while complying with higher‑level regulations.
