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Planner warns state law caps small cell fees at $250, limiting municipal leverage
Summary
Pam Fechter told the committee that state law restricts municipal authority over small cell fees to $250 per small cell; the city still must expend staff time to review placement and compliance.
The Committee heard that state law constrains local authority over small cell installations, limiting municipal fee recovery to a $250 flat charge per small cell regardless of the city's actual review or inspection costs. Planning/Economic Development Coordinator Pam Fechter explained the distinction between fiber and small cell work and said that although fees are limited, cities still must dedicate staff time to ensure proper placement and compliance.
Fechter noted that small cells are often mounted on existing utility poles within the right-of-way, which further limits the city's ability to influence siting or design. Council members discussed how that restriction shifts costs to municipal staff time and complicates comprehensive review when multiple technologies are being deployed.
