7b - ORD Wireless Telecommunication Facilities1/5/2021 1
Amendments to the
FWRC Titles 4 and 19 Related to
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
Public Works Department
Desiree’ Winkler, P.E.,
Deputy Public Works Director
Policy Question
Should City Council adopt amendments to
Federal Way Revised Code Titles 4 and 19
related to wireless telecommunication facilities?
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Background Information
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Background Information
•Industry requests to install small wireless in
2016.
•Cities prepare how to accommodate small
wireless.
•Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
Issued Order effective January 14, 2019.
–Zoning, timelines, aesthetic standards required
•Legal challenges to FCC Order. Most recent
decision issued June 2020.
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Background Information
•FWRC 4.22: Franchise application requirements
updated with specific timeline and requirements for
wireless telecommunication.
•FWRC 4.23: Small wireless permitting added.
•FWRC 4.24: Shot Clocks implemented.
•FWRC 19.256: Implemented zoning requirements,
permitting timelines, and established interim design
and aesthetic standards.
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Proposed Amendments
•Consolidate all wireless code into one chapter.
Note: Most of these “amendments” are existing
code being moved to another section and
updated to current Federal law.
•FWRC 4.22: removed a redundant section related
to application review timelines.
•FWRC 4.23: Refers to small wireless permit
requirements in FWRC 19.256.
•FWRC 4.24: Refers to eligible facilities request
requirements in FWRC 19.257.
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Proposed Amendments
•FWRC 19.256: deleted and replaced.
Consolidated all permitting and design
standards (both within right-of-way and on
real property).
•FWRC 19.257: New (relocated) section for
Eligible Facility Requests. Covers major small
wireless facilities within rights-of-way and real
property.
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Why are these amendments
important?
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Permitting and Timelines
•Outlines everything needed in order to meet
Federal timelines or “shot clocks.”
–Franchise
–Master Lease (if applicable for using city facilities)
–Small Wireless Permit
–Environmental Review (if applicable for sensitive
areas)
–Right-of-Way Permits
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Design Standards -Summary
•Prioritize where facilities can be located.
–Major Wireless Facilities (BPA towers; co-locate on
existing poles; new poles)
–Small Wireless
•Put facility on an existing pole
•Replace an existing pole
•Add a new pole (meeting city standards)
•RF engineer affidavit = emissions within all
regulated health/safety standards.
•Facility shall meet clearance and ADA standards
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Design Standards -Summary
•New / Replacement Poles (small wireless)
–Equipment concealed within pole base; or
–Equipment in a pole mounted cabinet with
concealment strategies (such as a banner).
–No ground mounted equipment.
•Antennae and equipment box dimensions
•“Technically Feasible”
•Technology is constantly changing
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Design Standards -Summary
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Public Comment
•SEPA –Programmatic –DNS
•Growth Management Act –Dept. of Commerce
Review
•Provided to industry for review
–Updated code to meet current Federal law.
–Reasonable flexibility to accommodate “technically
feasible.”
–Mutual acceptance of code amendments.
–Siting of major Wireless Communication Facilities
(allowed uses per zone) –options for residential
zoning. Future action by Planning Commission.
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Public Comment
•Land Use and Transportation Committee
recommends approval.
•Planning Commission (Public Hearing)
December 2 and 16, 2020.
•Planning Commission recommends approval.
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Options Considered
1.Adopt the proposed ordinance to amend the
FWRC Titles 4 and 19 related to wireless
telecommunication facilities.
2.Do not adopt the proposed ordinance and
provide direction to staff.
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•Option 1: Adopt the proposed ordinance
amending Title 4 and 19 of the Federal Way
Revised Code as related to wireless
communication facilities.
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Questions?
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