Process for telecom antenna structures
1 - Submittal
Proposed location
A wireless service provider submits a request to the City's Planning & Development Services department for review of the proposed tower location and public consultation plan.
Building/electrical requirements
- A Building Permit is not required for the tower itself. If there will be an accessory building on the site over 10m2, an application for a Building Permit is required.
- Any proposed electrical work for a building requires an Electrical Permit.
- If the site does not currently have electrical service, a commercial electric service application is required.
2 - Review
The Land Use Bylaw does not include specific requirements for cellular towers. Planning staff therefore reviews and evaluates telecommunication tower proposals based on land use planning criteria, including items like:
- Proposed location
- Proximity to residential development
- Compliance with the Municipal Development Plan regarding historic sites and sensitive environmental areas
- Existing and proposed on-site uses and structures
- Adjacent sites and their existing and proposed uses and structures
- Co-location potentials on the site and on nearby sites with other antenna structures
- Design aspects of the proposal
3 - Response
After a review of the proposal, the City then submits a letter of support or non-support to the service provider. If the cellular tower does not conflict with existing city infrastructure, the location will likely be supported.
In cases where the City does not support a proposal, it cannot prevent a proponent from ultimately gaining permission from ISEDC to install the tower, even if it contravenes the City's recommendations.
4 - Lease agreement
If the City owns the land where the tower is proposed, the City may impose conditions on the development of the tower through the lease agreement with the wireless provider.
Any lease agreement between a private landowner and the wireless provider is the responsibility of those two parties.
5 - Installation
Once public consultation commitments have been met by the wireless service provider, and required building and electrical permits are approved, installation/construction may commence.
