In the article, “New Rule on Wireless Towers May Frustrate Cities, Planners” published by California Planning & Development Report, Partner Robert May discusses the new guidelines for Section 6409(a), which might mean more prominent cell site towers for cities whether they like it or not. The new guidelines establish a strict timeline for evaluating projects that fall under Section 6409 protection, dictating that approval is the default action if localities fail to respond within 30 days.
“The procedures…require a level of coordination that is unusual for these types of projects,” says Mr. May. Consequently, city officials, including planners and building and safety inspectors, may need to review applications simultaneously rather than in sequence in order to meet the 30-day “shot clock”.