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Small Wireless Facility

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Small Cell/Small Wireless Facilities and 5G Technology

Small Cell and 5G technology are one of the many platforms including wired broadband being used to advance telecommunication in the United States and in Santa Barbara locally. Small cells and 5G is the next generation of cellular technology, benefitting those who live, work or visit Santa Barbara by increasing wireless data capacity and transfer speeds. As more small cell nodes are installed throughout the city, users will enjoy an improved cellular experience and connectivity.

Installations of small cells cannot be denied by the City of Santa Barbara. The Federal Communications Commission’s rule FCC-18-133A1 does not permit the City of Santa Barbara to deny Wireless Service Providers (AT&T, Verizon Wireless, etc.) and Wireless Infrastructure Providers (such as Crown Castle) access to city rights-of-way within the city limits. The California Public Utilities Commission has also issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity that declares telecommunications services in the right-of-way a certified utility.

For more information on wired broadband, please visit https://scag.ca.gov/broadband or our local providers, Cox Communication and Frontier.

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What is a small cell?

In order to deliver 5G, the telecommunications industry is developing a new network of small wireless communication facilities that are installed on existing or new utility poles in the right-of-way, next to streets and roads. These new wireless communication facilities are called “small cells”. Small cell networks are composed of small radio antennas that are attached to multiple existing or new streetlights and utility poles. An individual small cell is called a node. The individual nodes send data through fiber optic cable to a hub site, typically a traditional cell tower. The hub site sends the data out to the internet and broader communication networks.

CLOSE-UP DECORATIVE SMALL CELL NODE DESIGNATED LIKE A STREET LIGHT. 1-Foot in diameter and 3 feet tall.

Benefits of small cells

5G small cell installations will benefit property owners, residents, and businesses by increasing their wireless data capacity and transfer speed.

The city's role in small cell installations:
In order to ensure small cells are visually appealing and fit into the aesthetic of the area, the first goal is for wireless service providers to attach to City streetlights or use existing or replacement utility poles wherever possible when siting new small cell equipment. Where this is not possible, providers installing small cell nodes in the city will ensure nodes complement the existing aesthetic of the installation site and surrounding utility infrastructure. The city has limited local control in the area of location standards.

DECORATIVE SMALL CELL NODE-DESIGNATED LIKE A STREET LIGHT

Location of small cells

Small cell nodes are installed in the public right-of-way (ROW) and not on private property. Wireless Providers, as designated utilities, have broad discretion on the location of their infrastructure within the ROW and can choose, where to install each node based upon service. With the exception of pedestrian and vehicular safety, the city has very limited control over the location of each small cell. However, under no circumstances shall a small cell be placed within 20 feet from a residential dwelling’s window. Please visit Municipal Code Chapter 9.170 for specifics.

Property owners will be notified of an application received by the City and again when the application is approved. The City has a very limited time to review the application based upon pre-published standards. The permitted contractor will be responsible to notify impacted property owners just prior to construction.

Safety concerns

The city does not have any authority to deny the installation of small cell nodes based on health concerns, as stated by the Federal Communications Commission. The city recommends contacting your state representative or the FCC with individual concerns.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) studies and regulates the use of radio frequencies across the electromagnetic spectrum. The safety of radio waves has been extensively studied by government agencies and health groups that set standards continuously review this research. The World Health Organization (WHO) concludes, "Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects."

The FCC preempts cities from denying any small cell permit based on health concerns or the environmental effects of radio frequencies under Section 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act.

For more information, please refer to the FCC’s Safety FAQ and the Cancer.org Safety Information page

Additional details can be found at the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the National Cancer Institute, and the World Health Organization

Contact Information

For pending application information, please contact Mike Cloonan, Project Engineer, at mcloonan@santabarbaraca.gov. For general information, please contact Adam Hendel, Principal Engineer, at ahendel@santabarbaraca.gov. You may also contact the Public Works Permit Counter at pwcounter@santabarbaraca.gov regarding street construction issues.

The City has limited review authority regarding small wireless facilities. You may contact the utilities/carriers or visit the Federal Communication Commission’s webpage at Federal Communications Commission | The United States of America (fcc.gov).

2022 Radiofrequency Consultant Spot Test Report

Pending Applications/Plans

Small Wireless Facility Record List

Annual Public Meetings