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Assembly adopts wireless facilities ordinance after public objections and amendments
Summary
After extended public comment criticizing industry influence and setbacks, the Petersburg Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 2026-14b to regulate wireless communication facilities, approving three clarifying amendments and citing federal preemption limits on some local controls.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted unanimously July 20 to adopt Ordinance 2026-14b, establishing local zoning and permitting standards for wireless communication facilities while remaining consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Members adopted three staff-proposed amendments clarifying that (1) modifications qualifying as an "ineligible facilities request" are exempt from the new chapter's requirements, (2) only modifications exceeding the federal "substantial change" threshold must meet original conditions of approval, and (3) deleted references to a removed paragraph were eliminated to avoid broken cross-references. "That clarifies the original intent," staff said during the meeting while explaining federal thresholds.
The item followed substantial public comment opposing the ordinance. Becky Knight urged a moratorium, saying the draft was "deeply flawed" and appeared shaped by industry input rather than residents. Micah Klein said the current draft offered no protection from towers near homes and daycares, describing earlier community work as having been "completely gutted." Lindsay, a GCI representative attending by Zoom, said carriers are participating under the FCC's Alaska Plan and described engineering constraints and a proposed monopine site on Nordic Drive, adding the company must meet coverage commitments by the end of 2026.
Supporters on the assembly said federal law narrows local options and that the ordinance creates a public notice and review process the borough previously lacked. "By not doing anything, we risk having no control," one member said during debate, noting options in a small community are limited. After discussion and a roll-call vote, the ordinance passed 4–0.
The ordinance creates a new chapter of the municipal code prioritizing colocation where feasible, setting development standards, and providing a waiver procedure where strict application would preclude closing a coverage gap or create structural impossibilities. The administration said the ordinance is a starting point that may be revisited in future sessions.
