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State limits denials of modifications to existing wireless facilities; Fairfax to mirror review timeframes and add temporary support-structure rules
Summary
New state bills constrain local denials of certain modification requests to existing wireless facilities, establish review timeframes, and define temporary support structures for emergency or testing use. Fairfax staff propose edits to wireless facility standards, add criteria for temporary support structures and include an administrative permit and extension fee.
Gastrell told attendees that one bill prohibits localities from denying certain modification requests for existing wireless facilities if the requests meet criteria in the updated Code of Virginia and also establishes timeframes for review.
He said a second wireless bill defines temporary support structures — temporary towers used in disasters, special events, or market testing — and sets an initial permit maximum of 180 days with potential extensions up to two years total. Staff proposes a new section in the zoning ordinance to specify allowable reasons and review criteria, and to add a standard administrative permit fee and an extension fee for these temporary structures.
Staff emphasized they will mirror the state criteria and timeframes in local standards and noted that the county will publish minor tweaks to the draft text in the staff report prior to hearings.
