Subcommittee backs bill to streamline deployment of temporary cell sites for events and emergencies
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Summary
HB 876 would require local zoning ordinances to allow rapid deployment of temporary cell towers (on wheels, up to 80 feet, typically under 30 days unless extended locally) for emergencies and large events; the wireless industry backed the measure and the subcommittee voted to report it.
The subcommittee voted to report House Bill 876, which establishes a statewide, consistent standard to permit temporary wireless sites — often called cells‑on‑wheels — to support emergency responses and large public events.
The bill directs localities to include an option in zoning ordinances to allow temporary portable cell sites that meet specified conditions: no taller than 80 feet, mounted on wheels, and sited for 30 days or less without a local extension (an extension up to 180 days may be requested). Patrons argued the rules would help carriers deploy capacity quickly during outages, storms or events and avoid delays caused by building‑permit processes.
Jeremy Crandall of CTIA, the wireless industry trade group, said the bill focuses on deployment hurdles for temporary assets and does not change existing law for permanent wireless deployments. Committee members asked about community notice and local control; the patron and industry witnesses said existing local permitting and notice practices remain available and that localities can include notification requirements in their ordinances. The subcommittee moved the bill forward by voice vote.
