FCC Resources
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
FCC Tower and Antenna Siting Page.
47 USC 26 a.k.a The Telecommunications Act of 1996. See Sec. 260 for local municipal requirements
U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996
47 USC 1455 (local municipality handling of “eligible facility” co-location requests (see SEC. 6409)
Middle Clas Tax Relief Act of 2012
Summary of FCC Declaratory Ruling 09-99 (2009) that limits time for municipal review before a vote
FCC Initial "Shot Clock" Requirements (press release) (2009)
Two additional FCC "Shot Clocks" for small-cell sites and clarifying scope of Sec. 253 and 332(c)(7) for small-cell sites.
FCC Thrid Report and Order and Declaratory Ruling (2018)
FCC Commissioners' Open Meeting Schedule and Agenda
FCC Commissioners' Open Meeting Schedule and Agenda
Pending FCC Rule
The FCC is considering changes to how municipalities may review proposed wireless communications facilities in the interest of “streamlining” the local review process. Over 3000 public comments were filed with the FCC regarding this proposed rulemaking from those advocating new restrictions on local review to those opposed to federal preemption of much of the local process. The public comment period is now closed. The next step, if they decide to proceed, is for the FCC to place it on the agenda for a vote by the commissioners. Contact your Congressional respresentatives in the Senate and House of Representatives to voice your comments. Local zoning and planing boards are not able waive or implement changes to federal law and regulations, including human exposure to RF emissions, but often take the heat for the results.
Video - FCC Commission Meeting September 30, 2025 (go to time stamp 13:56-26:12 regarding WT Docket No. 25-276).
FCC and Local Zoning - The “Fact Sheet” summary of the proposed new rule (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking WT Docket No. 25-276).
The full text of the proposed rules (WT Docket No. 25-276).
Find your Congressional representatives.