Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Background and Purpose.................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 Site Location, Pole Selection, & Design Standards .............................................. 3 Chapter 3 Application Process and Requirements .............................................................. 7 Chapter 4 Installations on Streetlight Poles ....................................................................... 14 Chapter 5 Installations on Utility Poles .............................................................................. 21 Chapter 6 Installations of Freestanding Poles .................................................................... 26 Chapter 7 Section 6409 Approvals ..................................................................................... 35 Chapter 8 Non-Conforming Wireless Facilities ................................................................... 36
Appendix .............................................................................................................................. 37 App A Wireless Communications Facilities Permit Application App B Wireless Communications Facilities Permit Application Checklist App C Standard Conditions of Approval for Wireless Communications Facilities
List of Figures
Figure 4.1 - Unacceptable Installation on Streetlight Pole Figure 4.2 – Acceptable Design on Streetlight Replacement Pole Figure 4.3 – Acceptable Design on Streetlight Foundation Replacement (Existing Pole) Figure 5.1 - Unacceptable Installations on Utility Poles Figure 5.2 – Acceptable Designs on Utility Poles
Figure 6.1 – Freestanding Wireless Facility Spacing Radius Figure 6.2 – Freestanding Wireless Facility in Amenity Zone Figure 6.3 – Freestanding Wireless Facility Sight-Line Requirements Figure 6.4 – Freestanding Wireless Facility Location between Property Lines Figure 6.5 – Freestanding Wireless Facility in Commercial Area
List of Tables
Table 4.1 – Design Standards For Installations on Streetlight Poles Table 4.2 – Procedures For Attachments to Streetlight Poles Table 5.1 – Design Standards For Installations on Utility Poles Table 5.2 – Procedures For Attachments to Utility Poles Table 6.1 – Design Standards For Installations of Freestanding Poles Table 6.2 – Procedures For Freestanding Poles
Table 7.1 – Procedures For Section 6409 Approvals
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
The purpose of this document, the Design Standards and Application Requirements, is to establish requirements and design standards for installing wireless communication facilities in the City of San Mateo’s right -of-way (ROW). The City of San Mateo seeks to permit wireless carriers to install wireless communications facilities , within the public right -of-way, in order to provide cellular coverage and capacity throughout the City , while ensuring facilities are well-maintained and do not
significantly detract from City streetscapes.
The City does not regulate the technologies
wireless carriers use, but it does have certain
powers to regulate the time, place, manner and
aesthetics of wireless communications facilities.
These design standards and requirements are
intended to c onvey design preferences and
application requirements.
However, the City recommends and prefers that wireless carriers avoid pole locations where equipment would be in front of architecturally significant features , or in locations where they would have visual impacts of significance, such as residential neighborhoods, near schools and parks.
Wireless providers should be made aware of the City’s preference for installation of wireless facilities on City owned streetlights, due to the improved aesthetic qualitie s of these facilities. Wireless providers s hall work with the City to establish a license agreement for the use of City owned streetlights . Secondly, the City recommends and prefers installation in areas not zoned residential, as well as near schools or parks. Residential areas should be considered as the last option.
These requirements are meant to provide a general overview of the procedures and requirements for installation of wireless communications facilities on both City owned and utility poles located within the public right of way. Additional conditions, information and/or procedures may be necessary based on the circumstances, project scope and the location being proposed by the applicant, or as deemed necessary by the City.
San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 17.10, “Wireless Communications Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way” was adopted by City Council in 2021 (hereinafter the “Code”). The abbreviations, phrases, terms and words used in these Design Standards and Application Requirements will have the same meanings assigned to them in Chapter
17.10 of the Code . Undefined phrases, terms or words in this document will have the meanings assigned to them in 47 U.S.C. § 153, as may be amended from time to time, and, if not defined therein, wi ll have their ordinary meanings. If there are a ny discrepancies between the standards and requirements in this document and the Code, the Code shall prevail.
The applicant or its successors shall comply fully with all conditions specified in this document, or as modified by the Director of Public Works. Failure to comply with any condition shall constitute grounds for revocation of an applicable permit or license . In the event that radio frequency ( RF) emissions for the site exceed Federal Communications Commission ( FCC) standards, the applicant will be required to immediately cease and desist The purpose of this document is to
establish requirements for
installing wireless facilities in the
City of San Mateo’s right-of-way.
1 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
operation of the facility until such time that the violation is corrected to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.
Any carrier/provider authorized by the City to operate a specific wireless communications facility installation may assign the operation of the facility to another carrier licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and FCC for that radio frequency provided that such transfer is made known to the City in advance of such operation, and all conditions of approval for the subject installation are carried out by the new carrier/provider.
Below are requirements to aid wireless communications providers in planning facility locations and compiling the necessary information to obtain a Wireless Permit as provided in San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 17.10 “Wireless Communications Facilities in the Public Right -of-Way”. Wireless communications providers are also directed to review and comply with all other requirements as provided in Chapter 17.10, that can be found on the City’s website.
Three different types of wireless facility infrastructure installations are permitted within San Mateo rights of way. These types include:
1. Attachments to streetlight poles
2. Attachments to utility poles and utility lines
3. Freestanding wireless facility infrastructure
An overview of each type is included on the following pages.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
2 SITE LOCATION, POLE SELECTION, & DESIGN
STANDARDS
To aid in minimizing visual and aesthetic impacts, all wireless communications facilities shall be designed, installed and located based on the following design preferences and standards below. In instances where a facility is proposed for installation at a location or in a manner that is not the highest preference as listed below, the applicant shall make a factual showing that all higher preferences are technically infeasible:
Site Location
1. The preferred locations shall be installed in the following order from most preferred to least preferred:
1) Manufacturing districts;
2) Transportation corridor or transit-orientated development districts; 3) Executive districts;
4) Central business districts;
5) Commercial districts;
6) Agricultural and open space districts;
7) Shoreline districts;
8) Residential districts with multi-family residential uses; 9) Residential districts with single-family residential uses.
Applications that involve lesser-preferred locations may be approved so long as the applicant demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence in writing that any more preferred locations or structures within 500 feet from the proposed site would be technically infeasible.
Pole Selection
1. Wireless facilities should be installed on existing standard streetlights or utility poles whenever technically feasible. If the application proposes a wireless facility on a new pole or structure, the applicant must identify all existing potential poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site along the subject right-of-way that is available and technically feasible. The applicant must also demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence in writing that any of these identified existing poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site would be technically infeasible, and/or that the new support structure is the only technical feasible option to the exclusion of any alternative or reasonable combination of alternatives.
2. If the applicant demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence in writing tha t the identified existing poles or support structures are not technically feasible, then the applicant may propose a new free - standing pole. New free-standing poles shall be located outside of driveways and intersection sight lines.
New free-standing poles shall be located near property corners or side property lines, and not directly in front of residences and businesses.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
3. Wireless facilities shall not be located on non -standard, decorative streetlights, wooden streetlights or traffic signals.
4. All new wireless facilities require a new encroachment permit and comply with applicable standards and specifications required by the City.
Design Standards
1. Least Obtrusive. Proposed installations should be the least obtrusive possible in compliance with the City’s Design Standards, with regard to appearance, size, and location. If installations are available that are less obtrusive than those allowed by the City’s wireless communications facilities ordinance, applicants must use those installations unless the City determines that those installations are not feasible.
2. Pole heights shall be minimized. The maximum height of any facilities mounted on an existing utility pole shall not exceed 4 feet, plus the minimum separation from supply lines required by CPUC General Order 95 (GO 95), as may be amended or superseded. Legally required lightning arresters and beacons shall be included when calculating the height of facilities. For wireless facilities placed on any new freestanding poles, the pole height, inclusive of all equipment, shall not exceed 35 feet.
3. Obstruction of Views. New wireless communications facilities installations shall not obstruct views from habitable living areas (such as bedrooms, balconies, living rooms) to the maximum extent feasible.
4. Protection of Trees. Wireless communications facilities shall not damage existing trees. If pruning is required for the installation, a separate Tree Permit must be obtained from Parks and Recreation.
5. Interference with City Facilities and Other Uses. Proposed installations shall not cause any interference with: (i) the operation of any City facilities or services, including , but not limited to, signs, banners, lighting, communication, parking meters, traffic signs or signals, etc. ; (ii) any fire hydrants or water valves; (iii) access to any doors, gates, sidewalk doors, or other ingress and egress points to any building appurtenant to the rights-of-way; or (iv) access to any fire escape.
6. Accessory Equipment. Accessory equipment shall be located entirely on the pole in a vertical arrangement to the maximum extent feasible. Accessory equipment shall not collectively exceed 17 cubic feet in overall volume. Accessory equipment contains associated equipment for non-antenna gear.
7. Ground Mounted Equipment. Ground mounted equipment cabinets shall not be used, to the maximum extent possible. Ground mounted equipment shall not collectively exceed 17 cubic feet in overall volume. If utilized, ground mounted equipment shall be placed in a location that does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic and shall be located in the least conspicuous location avai lable within a reasonable distance from the pole. Ground mounted equipment should be installed within an existing or replacement street feature including, without limitation, bus stop shelters, trash bins, benches, kiosks, advertisement panels or other street furniture to conceal the equipment. Ground mounted equipment contains associated equipment for non-antenna gear.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
8. Cables, Wires and Connectors. All cables, wires and other connectors shall be routed through conduits within a pole whenever possible, and all external conduits, conduit attachments, cables, wires and other connectors must be concealed from public view to the maximum extent feasible.
9. Lights. Wireless facilities may not include exterior lights other than as may be required under Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA), Federal Communications Commission ( FCC), other applicable governmental regulations or applicable pole owner policies related to public or worker safety. All exterior lights permitted or required to be installed must be installed in locations and within enclosures that mitigates illumination impacts on other properties to the maximum extent feasible. Any lights associated wi th the electronic equipment shall be appropriately shielded from public view. Flashing lights shall be installed.
10. Signage and Stickers. All wireless facilities must include signage that accurately identifies the equipment owner/operator, the owner/operator’s site name or identification number and a toll-free number to the owner/operator’s network operations center. Wireless facilities may not bear any other signage or advertisements unless expressly approved by the City, required by law or recommended unde r existing and future FCC or other United States governmental agencies for compliance with RF emissions regulations. RF notification s igns shall be placed where appropriate , and not at pedestrian eye level, unless required by the FCC or other regulatory ag encies. Large repetitive warning stickers shall not be installed.
11. Smart Meters. Wireless facility designers shall use PG&E Smart Meters or flat-rate billing with no electric meter, if feasible.
12. Noise. Wireless facilities and all accessory equipment and transmission equipment must comply with all City noise control standards and regulations and shall not exceed, either individually or cumulatively, the applicable ambient noise level in the subject zoning district. The applicant shall incorporate appropriate noise-baffling materials and/or strategies whenever necessary to avoid any ambient noise from equipment reasonably likely to exceed the applicable level. Fans shall not be utilized to the maximum extent possible.
13. Antenna Location. To the maximum extent technically feasible, a ntennas shall be placed at the top of the pole.
14. Shrouding. All antennas and associated cables, jumpers, wires, mounts, masts, brackets and other connectors and hardware shall be installed within a single shroud or radome to the maximum extent technically feasible. For wireless facilities on utility poles, all antennas shall be shrouded, and located at the top of the pole or strand- mounted, to the maximum extent technically feasible. For pole -top antennas, the shroud shall not exceed 2.5 times the median pole diameter and must taper down to pole.
For side-arm antennas, the shroud shall cover the cross arm and any cables, jumpers, wires or other connectors between the vertical riser and the antenna.
15. Antenna Volume. Each individual antenna associated with a single wireless facility shall not exc eed 3 cubic feet. The cumulative volume for all antennas on a single wireless facility shall not exceed: (A) 3 cubic feet in residential areas; or (B) 6 cubic feet in nonresidential areas.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
16. Horizontal Projection. Side-mounted antennas, where permitted, shall not project: (A) more than 2 feet from the support structure; (B) over any roadway for vehicular travel; or (C) over any abutting private property. If applicable laws require a side-mounted antenna to project more than 2 feet from the support structure, the projection shall be no greater than required for compliance with such laws. Pole-mounted antennas and accessory equipment should be installed in a manner tha t minimizes horizontal projections, which includes, without limitation, installi ng equipment within the pole or as flush to the pole as possible.
17. Landscaping. All wireless facilities must include landscape features and a landscape maintenance plan when proposed to be placed in a landscaped area. The City may require additional landscape features to screen the wireless facility from public view, avoid or mitigate potential adverse impacts on adjacent properties or otherwise enhance the concealment. All plants proposed or required must be native and/or drought resistant.
18. Site Security Measures. Wireless facilities may incorporate reasonable and appropriate site security measures, such as locks and anti- climbing devices, to prevent unauthorized access, theft or vandalism.
All wireless facilities shall be cons tructed from graffiti -resistant materials. The City may require additional concealment elements as the approval authority finds necessary to blend the security measures and other improvements into the natural and/or built environment. The City shall not approve barbed wire, razor ribbon, electrified fences or any similar security measures.
19. Backup Power Sources. Permanent backup power sources within the public rights -of-way shall not be utilized.
20. Utilities. All cables and connectors for telephone, primary electric and other similar utilities shall be routed underground to the extent feasible in conduits large enough to accommodate future collocated wireless facilities. To the extent feasible, undergrounded cables and wires must transition directly into the pole base without any external doghouse. Meters, panels, disconnect switches and other associated improvements must be placed in inconspicuous locations to the extent possible and technically feasible.
The City shall not approve new overhead utility l ines or service drops merely because compliance with the undergrounding requirements would increase the project cost. In areas with existing overhead lines, new communication lines shall be “overlashed” with existing communication lines to the extent technically feasible. Microwave or other wireless backhaul is discouraged when it would involve a separate and unconcealed antenna.
21. Public Safety. No wireless facilities shall interfere with access to a fire hydrant, fire station, fire escape, water valve, underground vault, valve housing structure or any other public health or safety facility. No wireless facility installation, use or maintenance shall endanger or shall be reasonably likely to endanger the safety of persons or property. No wireless acilities shall unreasonably interfere with or unreasonably impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic including any legally parked or stopped vehic le, the ingress into or egress from any residence or place of business, the use of poles, posts, traffic signs or signals, hydrants, mailboxes, permitted sidewalk dining, permitted street furniture or other objects permitted at or near the location where the wireless facilities are located.
22. Replacement Pole Location. All replacement poles must: (1) be located as close to the removed pole as possible; (2) be aligned with the other existing poles along the public rights-of-way; and (3) be compliant with all applicable standards and specifications identified by or required by the City.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
23. Compliance with Applicable Laws. All wireless facilities shall be installed and maintained in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes or other rules, which include, at a minimum, the Uniform Building, National Electrical Code, and all FCC rules for human exposure to RF emissions. All wireless facilities and their locations shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
3 APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
Voluntary Informational Meeting with City Staff
Prior to submittal of an application, applican ts are encouraged to meet with City staff in order to present the scope, location, and types of poles utilized. Applicants can ask questions regarding the permit application and checklist requirements. This voluntary informational meeting with City staff does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
Voluntary Informational Neighborhood Meeting
After meeting with City staff and prior to submittal of an application, applicants are encouraged to hold a community meeting for a proposed wireless facility. This voluntary neighborhood meeting does not cause the FCC Shot clock to begin.
The purpose of the neighborhood meeting is for the applicant to explain the proposal to the surrounding property owners and residents, and to receive their input. This meeting should accomplish three main goals:
Establishment of dialogue between the applicant and the surrounding property owners and residents. Allow for project modification early in the process based on feedback. Avoid further delays due to projects that may be inconsistent with the City’s standards.
As the applicant, you host and conduct the meeting; Public Works staff may be present as a resource only.
Public Works staff will work with the applicant to select a date, time, and location for the neighborhood meeting based on the following requirements:
Meetings should be held on Monday through Thursdays starting no earlier than 6:30 p.m. Meetings should be held at City Hall or conducted virtually. Meetings should be 1 to 2 hours maximum.
After 15 minutes, if there are no attendees, the meeting may be ended.
Meetings cannot be held on the following dates:
Evenings of City Council or any City Commission meetings. Please check the C ity’s website at http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?nid=60
and
http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?nid=192 for the City Council, Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Community Relations Commission, and Planning Commission meeting dates.
Legal holidays, common religious holidays or during the week of Thanksgiving and De cember 15th - January 1st.
Public Works staff will work with the applicant to coordinate a public notice for the community meeting.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
The applicant is encouraged to bring presentation- sized graphics of the conceptual project plans, including an existing and proposed site plan and exterior elevations of all sides of the proposed facility, and a PowerPoint presentation. A mock -up of the proposed installation is highly recommended. The applicant is encouraged to record the meeting to aid in developing the meeting summary. If recorded, applicant must post a notice at the meeting site that indicates the meeting is being recorded.
All attendees shall sign in to ensure a complete record of attendees, including City staff and all members of the project team. Attend ees shall be asked to provide their email and/or mailing address for future notices. A member of the applicant’s team must be dedicated to taking detailed notes from the meeting and prepare a Meeting Summary.
The meeting agenda generally consists of the following:
The applicant will typically open the meeting by describing the purpose of the meeting and introducing the team members. Public Works staff will remain throughout the meeting to answer any questions regarding wireless facility standards and the application process. The applicant will manage the remainder of the meeting. The City recommends that the applicant’s PowerPoint presentation on the proposed project should include a description of the purpose of the installation, the way the design has responded to various aesthetic issues and important design features.
The applicant’s presentation team shall include the following staff: proj ect manager, RF engineer, area manager, technical staff, and dedicated staff for recording meeting notes. After the formal presentation, the applicant may open the discussion to attendees, being available to answer questions or take comments. If questions are raised related to the application process or City regulations that are more appropriately answered by City staff, he or she will answer those questions. Once discussion has finished, the applicant will typically close the meeting by describing the next steps in the process. No official action may be taken by the City at any community meeting.
The City requests that the applicant submit to the City a written summary of the meeting within seven (7) calendar days of the meeting. The Meeting Summary should include a list of attendees, the major issues raised, any questions and answers discussed during the meeting. Please send the draft meeting summary and the sign- in sheet to Public Works staff who attended the meeting for final editing. The applicant is encouraged to email the meeting summary to all the meeting attendees who provided an email address.
Application Submittal
The applicant shall submit a complete, duly executed permit application using the Wireless Communications Facilities Permit Application Form attached hereto in Appendix A, which may be updated from time to time by the Director . The applicant shall comply with any additional instructions or requirements provided on the application form.
The application shall include all required materials as listed in the Wireless Communications Facilities Permit Application Checklist attached hereto in Appendix B . The applicant shall also comply with the Application Requirements-Required Materials provided in Appendix B.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
All applications , along with any required materials and deposit s, must be submitted to the City at a pre - scheduled appointment with City Staff. The City Staff shall use reasonable efforts to provide the applicant with an appointment within five (5) working days after the City Staff receives a written request.
Applications Deemed Withdrawn
To promote efficient review and timely decisions, an application will be automatically deemed withdrawn by the applicant when the applicant fails to tender a substantive response to City Staff within 90 calendar days after City Staff deems the application incomplete in a subsequent written notice to the applicant after a prior written notice of incompleteness has been provided. The City Staff may, in its discretion, grant a written extension for up to an additional 30 calendar da ys when the applicant submits a written request prior to the 90th day that shows good cause to grant the extension. Delays due to circumstances outside the applicant's reasonable control will be considered good cause to grant the extension.
Notice Requirements For Wireless Permits (Section 6409 Applications are exempt from noticing requirements)[SMMC 17.10.050(d)]
Within five (5) calendar days of submitting a wireless permit application, the applicant shall provide notice by first class US mail to all property owners and residents within a 500’ radius of the proposed project site. In addition, the notice shall be posted in a minimum of three (3) locations near the project site. The notices at a minimum shall contain the following:
1. A general description of the project, improvements and other equipment to be constructed or installed, including the proposed site location, photo simulations, samples or renderings depicting the finished installation in context with the surrounding natural and built environment.
2. Identify when construction, installation, excavation or other work would begin and end.
3. The applicant’s name and contact information as provided to the City on the application.
4. The contact name and information for the applicant’s representative.
5. A statement that interested parties may submit comments regarding the project within five (5) calendar days of the notice, to the applicant, and instructions on how to do so.
6. Include a link to the City’s Small Cell Infrastructure webpage:
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure. Include language that, “Members of the public interested in receiving information on application decisions should sign up for notifications on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage.”
7. A statement that interested parties may appeal any decision within five (5) calendar days of the Notice of Decision, and instructions on how to do so.
8. A statement that, “The FCC does not allow appeals when based solely on the environmental effects from radio frequency emissions that are compliant with applicable FCC regulations and guidelines.”
Notices shall be in English and other languages as deemed appropriate by the City.
Applicant shall provide notification documentation to the City prior to approval of any permit. Such documentation includes:
1. A copy of the notice. Notice shall be approved by City staff prior to mailing.
2. Proof of notification such as an affidavit attesting that the notice was mailed to all property owners and residents within 500’ of the project site. Proof shall include the method of delivery and a list of recipients.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
3. A log of concerns, comments, questio ns, and /or actual responses from interested parties with information on the name of the persons and dates of the responses.
Standard Conditions of Approval [SMMC 17.10.080]
All wireless facilities, whether approved by the Director or deemed approved or deemed granted by law shall be automatically subject to all standard conditions of approval as provided in the Standard Conditions of Approval for Wireless Communications Facilities, attached hereto in Appendix C.
Decision Notices to the Applicant [SMMC 17.10.070(e)]
City staff shall provide written notice to the applicant within five (5) calendar days after acting on the application.
If the application is denied, the notice shall include the reasons for the decision and instructions for filing an appeal.
Notice of Decision to the Public [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
City staff shall post notice of the decision by the City with the appeal process on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage on the same date as when the decision notice is sent to the applicant. https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure
The online posted notice shall include the following:
1. Date of the posting and date by which appeals must be filed.
2. Location of the site.
3. Link to application materials.
4. Directions for filing an appeal.
5. Appellant’s name and contact information.
Members of the public , including property owners and residents within 500’ of the project site, interested in receiving information on decisions on applications should sign up for notifications on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage. Notices to the property owners and residents within 500’ of the project site and others who have requested the notice of decision from the city shall be sent expeditiously and within one business day from the date of the decision on the application. Notice shall be sent electronically to the extent practicable.
Peer and Independent Consultant Review [SMMC 17.10.060] The Director may, in its discretion, select and retain an independent consultant with specialized training, experience and/or expertise in telecommunications issues satisfactory to the Director in connection with any permit application.
The Director may request an independent consultant review on any issue that involves specialized or expert knowledge in connection with wireless facilities deployment or permit applications for wireless facilities, which include without limitation: (a) permit application c ompleteness and/or accuracy; (b) pre -construction planned compliance with applicable regulations for human exposure to RF emissions; (c) post- construction actual compliance with applicable regulations for human exposure to RF emissions; ( d) whether and to what extent any technically feasible and/or potentially available alternative sites or concealment techniques may exist; ( e) the applicability, reliability and/or sufficiency of any information, analyses or methodologies used by the applicant to reach any conclusions about any issue with the City's discretion to review; and ( f) any other issue identified by the Director that requires expert or specialized knowledge. The Director may request that the independent consultant prepare written reports, testify at public meetings, hearings and/or appeals and attend meetings with City staff and/or the applicant.
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In the event that the Director elects to retain an independent consultant in connection with any permit application, the applicant shall be responsible for the reasonable costs in connection with the services provided.
Before the independent consultant may perform any services, the applicant shall tender to the City a deposit in an amount equal to the estimated cost for the services to be provided, as deter mined by the Director. The Director may request additional deposits as reasonably necessary to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover the reasonable costs in connection with the independent consultant's services. In the event that the deposit exceeds the total costs for consultant's services, the Director shall promptly return any unused funds to the applicant after the wireless facility has been installed and passes a final inspection by the appropriate City official or his or her designee. In the event that the reasonable costs for the independent consultant's services exceed the deposit, the Director shall invoice the applicant for the balance. The City shall not issue any permit to any applicant with any unpaid deposit requests or invoices.
Limited Exceptions for Personal Wireless Service Facilities [SMMC 17.10.070(d)] In the event that an applicant claims that strict compliance with SMMC Chapter 17.10 and the se Design Standards and Application Requirements would effectively prohibit the applicant's ability to provide personal wireless services, the Director may grant a limited exception from such requirements in accordance with the following:
1. Required Findings. The Director shall not grant any limited exception unless the applicant shows that:
(A) the proposed wireless facility qualifies as a "personal wireless service facility" as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(C)(ii), as may be amended or superseded; and (B) the appl icant has provided the Director with a reasonable and clearly defined technical service objective to be achieved by the proposed wireless facility; and (C) the applicant has provided the Director with a written statement that contains a detailed and fact- specific explanation as to why the proposed wireless facility cannot be deployed in compliance with the applicable provisions in SMMC Chapter 17.10 and these Design Standards and Application Requirements; and
(D) the applicant has provided the Director with a meaningful comparative analysis with the factual reasons why all alternative locations and/or designs identified in the administrative record (whether suggested by the applicant, the City, public comments or any other source) are not technically feasible or potentially available to reasonably achieve the applicant's reasonable and clearly defined technical service objective to be achieved by the proposed wireless facility; and (E) the applicant has demonstrated to the Director that the proposed locati on and design is the least non-compliant configuration that will reasonably achieve the applicant's reasonable and clearly defined technical service objective to be achieved by the proposed wireless facility, which includes without limitation a meaningful comparative analysis into multiple smaller or less intrusive wireless facilities dispersed throughout the intended service area.
2. Limitations on Exceptions. Any limited exception shall be narrowly tailored to ensure that any deviations from the requirements in SMMC Chapter 17.10 or the Design Standards and Application Requirements are no greater than necessary to avoid an effective prohibition of the applicant's personal wireless services. Limited exceptions shall be based on the facts and circumstances of the applicant, its demonstrated technical service objectives at the time the exception is granted and the proposed wireless facility and shall not be deemed to establish any precedent for similar deviations for the same or any other applicant, location or wireless facility.
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Appeals [SMMC 17.10.070(g)] (Section 6409 Applications are exempt from appeals by the public) The applicant or property owners/residents within a 500 foot radius of the proposed project site who received notice of an application, as provided in the Code, may appeal any decision to approve or deny an application for a Wireless Permit. The appeals shall be filed with the Secretary of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission within five (5) calendar days of the City’s Notice of Conditional Approval. Appeals received after the five (5) calendar days will not be considered. The appeal hearing shall be placed on the agenda for the next regular or special meeting of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission, or otherwise within a time frame needed to comply with all applicable state or federal laws. Written notice of the hearing date shall be provided to the appellant as soon as practicable and at least 3 calendar days prior to the hearing.
An appeal shall include the following at a minimum in order to be considered:
1. Location of the site being appealed.
2. A written statement that contains a detailed and fact-specific description of the reason for the appeal with reference to specific Code or Design Standard violations.
3. Appellant’s name and contact information.
Important Note: The FCC does not allow appeals if it is based on environmental effects from RF emissions that comply with all applicable FCC regulations.
Appeals from an approval of an application will not be permitted to the extent that the appeal is based on environmental effects from RF emissions that comply with all applicable FCC regulations. The Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission shall review the appeal de novo, with the appellant having the burden of proof to establish the basis for seeking a reversal of the Director’s decision, and issue a decision at the hearing. The decision of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission shall be final and not subject to any further administrative appeals. The decision shall be posted on the City’s webpage on the same date as the decision is made.
Revocation of Permits or Other Authorized Use
Any wireless permit, City pole license, or other authorized use of the public right-of-way granted under SMMC Chapter 17.10 may be revoked or modified for cause in accordance with the following:
1. Revocation proceedings may be initiated by the Director.
2. Action. The Director shall act on the proposed revocation after the time for any appeal has lapsed.
3. Required Findings. The Director may revoke or modify the permit, City pole license, or right to use, if it makes any of the following findings:
(A) The permittee obtained the approval by means of fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact; (B) The permittee substantially expanded or altered the use or structure beyond what is set forth in the permit or substantially changed the installation’s character; (C) The use in question has ceased to exist or has been suspended or abandoned; (D) Failure to comply with any condition of a permit issued; (E) Failure to comply with SMMC Chapter 17.10 and/or the Design Standards and Application Requirements;
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(F) A substantive change of law affecting a utility’s authority to occupy or use the public right-of-way or the City’s ability to impose regulations relating to such occupation or use; (G) A facility’s interference with a City project;
(H) A facility’s interference with vehicular or pedestrian use of the public right-of-way; Failure to make a safe and timely restoration of the public right-of-way; or (I) For permits approved for a wireless facility on a City pole, termination of the applicable master license agreement or revocation of a City-owned pole license.
4. Notice of Action. The Director shall issue a written determination of revocation and mail the determination to the perm ittee within ten (10) calendar days of such determination. The decision shall be posted on the City’s webpage on the same date as the decision is made.
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4 INSTALLATIONS ON STREETLIGHT POLES
The following are design requirements for installations on streetlight poles.
Table 4.1 – Design Standards For Installations on Streetlight Poles Luminaire • Per San Mateo standards or as designated by the Director of Public Works.
Electric Service/Metering • Per PG&E’s requirements. Smart Meters or flat-rate billing, if available. • All new electrical conduit shall be separate and enclosed in a braided sleeve. • Applicant shall survey and document all loads connected to circuit involved, including any non-streetlight load.
• Circuit tracing shall be completed using proper circuit tracing equipment. • Applicant shall conduct load analysis to evaluate loading level and voltage drop on the entire circuit the meter is receiving power from. Maximum voltage drop allowed for the entire streetlighting circuit is 3% (cumulative).
• Calculations shall be completed by an electrical engineer. • Reserve at minimum 40% of circuit load capacity (not breaker rating) for City’s use. • Replacement of light fixtures with LEDs is allowed to free up capacity in the circuit . LED fixtures shall meet City standards or as designated by the Director of Public Works. • Conductors shall be spliced at base of pole in pull box. If there is no existing pull box, installation of a new pull box will be required.
• Grounding rod shall be located in the pull box.
Communication/Backhaul
Service
• Applicant shall secure their own communication/backhaul arrangements independent of City facilities.
• A utility encroachment permit for fiber optic installations will be required.
Shroud • Antenna and Smart Meter shall be within a shroud , to the maximum extent technically feasible.
Hand Holes • A hand hole shall be provided at the top of the pole to maintain fiber and electrical service for streetlights and future attachments.
Color • Equipment shall be painted, treated or finished to match existing streetlight aesthetics. • Paint shall be powder coated over zinc paint.
• Equipment cabinets shall be galvanized.
Structural Analysis • Structural analysis shall be prepared and stamped by a professionally licensed structural engineer. Cert ification that the pole foundation and attachments meet or exceed design parameters shall be provided to the Public Works Department. The analysis shall comply with current building code standards. The wireless facility shall be designed for a risk category IV. • All structural components of the pole, standard, base, equipment cabinet, couplers, anchor bolts, luminaires, antenna , shroud, and other attachments to be used shall be designed in accordance with AASHTO’s Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, TIA- 222 rev G and ASC E 7-16 with IBC 201 8 (or latest standard), plus amendment for other local conditions.
• Any pole not meeting these requirements may not be used for a wireless facility installation or must be replaced.
• Certification is required for replacement poles.
Antenna • Antennas shall be shrouded and shall be located at the top of the pole to the maximum extent technically feasible.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
• Individual antennas shall not exceed 3 cubic feet; cumulative volume for all antennas shall not exceed 3 cubic feet in residential areas or 6 cubic feet in nonresidential areas.
Stickers/Signs • Any on-pole cabinet and ground mounted utility box should be labeled with a (1) RF warning sticker, background to match pole color, no larger than 4 x 6 inches. Facing to the street near the elevation of the antennae, (2) 4-inch by 6-inch (maximum) plate with the provider’s name, location identifying information, and 24- hour emergency telephone number, and (3) No advertising, logos or decals.
• Existing traffic signs may be relocated to screen accessory equipment. CA MUTCD requirements for sign mounting height shall be met. Equipment screened by a sign must not change the silhouette of the sign as viewed by motorists. • Pole number labels shall be installed if missing.
Cables/Wiring • All cables shall be located inside the pole to the maximum extent technically feasible, labeled for identification and enclosed in a separate braided sleeve. • External conduit attachment to the pole is not permitted. • No wires or cables shall be visible on the exterior of the pole. • Splicing is permitted in the pull box at base of pole. Splicing of small wiring to streetlight wiring in the pole is not permitted. If the p ull box is not present, a new pull box will need to be installed, and conduit proved and rewired.
• Any existing conduit that is not usable shall be replaced with new conduit. • Foundations without conduit will need to have new conduit added to the existing foundation, or a new foundation installed in accordance with these Design Standards . • Fuses shall be located behind the hand hole or in the pull box. • Existing wires in pole must be removed before any drilling or welding takes place on pole.
Hardware • All mounting hardware shall be compatible with mounting surface and weather resistant.
Disconnect Switch • Bottom of disconnect switch shall b e mounted at a minimum of 7 feet above grade or per PG&E’s standards.
Equipment Cabinet • Maximum dimension shall be 17 CF.
• If required, fans shall not emit noise higher than City standards. • Passive louvers and/or other passive ventilation systems shall be primary means of temperature control.
• Cabinets shall be located such that it meets the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not obstruct, impede, or hinder the usual pedestrian or vehicular travel way. • Equipment cabinet contains associated equipment for non-antenna gear.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 4.1 - Unacceptable Installation on a Streetlight
Antenna must include a smooth
transition between pole and antenna
if feasible
Conduit, mounting bracket, and
other hardware must be hidden or in
a shroud
All conduit, wires and other
hardware shall be located internally
within pole
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 4.2 – Acceptable Design on a Streetlight Replacement
Antennas are located at the top of
the pole and have smooth transition
between pole and antennas
All conduit, wires and other
hardware are located internally
within pole
Accessory equipment is located
entirely in a cabinet at base of pole
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 4.3 – Acceptable Design on a Streetlight Foundation Replacement (Existing Pole)
Antennas are located at the top of
the pole
Accessary equipment is hidden by
existing signage
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Table 4.2 – Procedures For Attachments to Streetlight Poles [SMMC] Pre-Application
1. Master License Agreement. Applicant executes a license agreement with the City for any City-owned poles in the public right-of-way. To start the process for preparation of a license agreement, applicant shall pay required fee per current Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
2. Voluntary Information al Meeting with City Staff. Applicant may request a voluntary pre -submittal informational meeting with City staff to review potential locations and streamline the review process. This voluntary informational meeting with City Staff does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
3. Voluntary Informational Neighborhood Meeting. Applicant is encouraged to hold a voluntary informational neighborhood meeting at City Hall or via Zoom to discuss the proposed project with residents and property owners within 500’ of the project location in order to receive feedback from interested parties. This voluntary neighborhood informational meeting does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
Application
4. Submittal Appointment. Applicant submits application, checklist, required materials, and deposit at a pre - scheduled appointment. City Staff shall use reaso nable efforts to provide the applicant with an appointment within five (5) working days after the City Staff receives a written request. • Shot Clocks Starts
5. Notice Requirements. Within five (5) calendar days of application submittal, applicant provides notice by first class United States mail to all property owners and residents within a 500’ radius of proposed project and posts in at least three locations near the project site.
6. City Review. The City shall have ten (10) calendar days from the submission of the application to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
7. Power Walks. Applicant conducts power walks with City staff to determine point of electrical service connection. This shall be shown on the plans when applicant resubmits.
8. Applicant Resubmittal. If the City deems that the application is incomplete, the applicant responds to corrections and resubmits materials.
• Shot Clocks Restarts
9. Subsequent City Reviews and Resubmittals. City staff reviews and shall have ten (10) calendar days from the re- submission to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
10. Conditional Approval. City staff may approve the application when all findings are met as provided in the Code. If findings are not met, application will be denied and applicant will need to resubmit.
11. Notice of Decision. A decision notice is sent to the applicant within five (5) calendar days after the City acts on an application. City staff shall post the N otice of Decision with appeal process on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage when the decision notice is sent to the applicant. https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure [SMMC 17.10.070(e)] [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
12. Limited Exceptions. If the applicant claims that strict compliance with the Design Standards and Application Requirements would effectively prohibit the applicant's ability to provide personal wireless services, City staff may grant a limited exception if required findings are met.
Appeals
13. Appeals. The applicant or any person who received notice of an application as provided in the Code may appeal any decision to approve or deny a Wireless Permit. Appeals must be filed with the Sustainability & Infrastructure Commission (S&IC) Secretary within five (5) calendar days of the Notice of Conditional Approval. If no appeals, project may be approved. If an appeal is received, staff will schedule a public hearing with S&IC to consider and act on the application in accordance with the required findings. If t he appeal is denied by the S&IC, the project may be approved. If the appeal is approved by the S&IC, the project is denied and the applicant will need to resubmit. [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
Building Permit 14. Building Permit. Applicant applies for a Building Permit with the Building Division for PG&E release. A separate fee shall apply.
Encroachment
Permit
15. Encroachment Permit. Applicant applies for an Encroachment Permit with the Public Works Department.
A separate fee shall apply as provided in the City’s Fee Schedule. Encroachment permit shall include traffic control plans and insurance. Prior to construction, applicant shall contact Public Works for an inspection.
16. Performance Bond. Applicant shall provide Public Works with a Performance Bond in compliance with COA A.13 and B.15.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Post
Application
17. Certification. Applicant shall provide Public Works Post -Installation Certification in compliance with COA A.3 and B.5.
18. Contact Information. Applicant shall provide up-to-date contact information to Public Works in compliance with COA A.11 and B.13.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
5 INSTALLATIONS ON UTILITY POLES
The following are general specifications for installations on utility poles.
Table 5.1 – Design Standards For Installations on Utility Poles
Electric Service/Metering • Per PG&E’s requirements. Smart Meters or flat-rate billing, if available. • All new electrical conduit shall be separate.
Communication/Backhaul
Service
• Applicant shall secure their own communication/backhaul arrangements independent of City facilities.
• A utility encroachment permit for fiber optic installations will be required.
Shroud • Antenna and Smart Meter shall be within a shroud , to the maximum extent technically feasible.
Color • Equipment shall be painted, treated or finished to match existing utility pole aesthetics.
• All electrical equipment, boxes, and other appurtenances shall have an appropriate National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating for outdoor uses and provide adequate protection.
• Paint shall be powder coated over zinc paint in accordance with NEMA standards. • Equipment cabinets shall be galvanized in accordance with NEMA standards.
Pole Selection Site Analysis • If the applicant proposes a wireless facility on a new utility pole, the applicant must first identify all existing potential poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site along the subject right- of-way that is available and technically feasible. The applicant must also demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence in writing that any of these identified existing poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site would be technically infeasible.
Antenna • Antennas shall be shrouded , and located at the top of the pole or strand - mounted, to the maximum extent technically feasible.
• Individual antennas shall not exceed 3 cubic feet; cumulative volume for all antennas shall not exceed 3 cubic feet in residential areas or 6 cubic feet in nonresidential areas.
Stickers/Signs • Any on-pole cabinet and ground mounted utility box should be labeled with (1) a RF warning sticker, background to match pole color, no larger than 4 x 6 inches.
Facing to the street near the elevation of the antennae, (2) 4 -inch by 6 -inch (maximum) plate with the provider’s name, location identifying information, and 24-hour emergency telephone number, and (3) No advertising, logos or decals. • Existing traffic signs may be relocated to screen accessory equipment. CA MUTCD requirements for sign mounting height shall be met. Equipment screened by a sign must not change the silhouette of the sign as viewed by motorists. • Pole number labels shall be installed if missing.
Cables/Wiring • To the maximum extent technically feasible, all cables shall be located inside a conduit painted to match the pole.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
• No wires or cables shall be visible on the exterior of the conduit to the maximum extent technically feasible.
Hardware • All mounting hardware shall be compatible with mounting surface and weather resistant.
Disconnect Switch • Bottom of disconnect switch shall be mounted at a minimum of 7 feet above grade or per PG&E’s standards.
Equipment Cabinet • Maximum dimension shall be 17 CF.
• If required, fans shall not emit noise higher than City standards. • Passive louvers and/or other passive ventilation systems shall be primary means of temperature control.
• Cabinets shall be located such that it meets the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not obstruct, impede, or hinder the usual pedestrian or vehicular travel way.
• Equipment cabinets contains associated equipment for non-antenna gear.
Safety Zones • A safety zone is required per the latest CPUC GO 95
Pole Owner • Applicant shall provide written authorization from the pole owner. • Authorization shall indicate that the pole is structurally sound for additional loads.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 5.1 - Unacceptable Installations on Utility Poles
Accessary equipment is not painted
to match the wood pole
Wires are not in a conduit
Abrupt transition from pole to
antenna
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 5.2 – Acceptable Designs on Utility Poles
Strand mounted wireless facility
Wiring is located in a conduit
Accessary equipment is painted to
match the wood pole and shrouded
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Table 5.2 – Procedures For Attachments to Utility Poles [SMMC] Pre-Application
1. Voluntary Information al Meeting with City Staff. Applicant may request a voluntary pre -submittal informational meeting with City staff to review potential locations and streamline the review process. This voluntary informational meeting does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
2. Voluntary Informational Neighborhood Meeting. Applicant is encouraged to hold a voluntary informational neighborhood meeting at City Hall or via Zoom to discuss the proposed project with residents and property owners within a 500’ radius of the project location in order to receive feedback from interested parties. This voluntary neighborhood meeting does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
Application
3. Submittal Appointment. Applicant submits Application, Checklist, Required Materials, and Deposit at a pre- scheduled appointment. City staff shall use reasonable efforts to provide the applicant with an appointment within five (5) calendar days after City Staff receives a written request. • Shot Clocks Starts
4. Notice Requirements. Within five (5) calendar days of application submittal, applicant provide s notice by first class United States mail to all property owners and residents within 500’ of proposed project and posts in at least three locations near the site.
5. City Review. The City shall have ten (10) calendar days from the submission of the application to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
6. Applicant Resubmittal. If the City deems that the application is incomplete, the applicant responds to corrections and resubmits materials.
• Shot Clocks Restarts
7. Subsequent City Reviews and Resubmittals. City staff reviews and shall have ten ( 10) calendar days from the re-submission to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the city deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
8. Conditional Approval. City staff may approve the application when all findings are met as provided in the Code. If findings are not met, application will be denied and applicant will need to resubmit.
9. Notice of Decision. A decision notice is sent to the applicant within five (5) calendar days after the City acts on an application. City staff shall post the N otice of Decision with appeal process on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage when the decision notice is sent to the applicant. https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure [SMMC 17.10.070(e)] [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
10. Limited Exceptions. If the applicant claims that strict compliance with the Design Standards and Application Requirements would effectively prohibit the applicant’s ability to provide personal wireless services, City staff may grant a limited exception if required findings are met.
Appeals
11. Appeals. The applicant or any person who received notice of an application as provided in the Code may appeal any decision to approve or deny a Wireless Permit. Appeals must be filed with Sustainability & Infrastructure Commission (S&IC) Secretary within five ( 5) calendar days of the Notice of Conditional Approval. If no appeals, the project may be approved. If an appeal is received, staff will schedule a public hearing with S&IC to consider and act on the application in accordance with the required findings. If the appeal is denied by the S&IC, the project may be approved. If the appeal is approved by the S&IC, the project is denied and the applicant will need to resubmit.
[SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
Encroachment
Permit
12. Encroachment Permit. Applicant applies for an Encroachment Permit with the Public Works Department. A separate fee shall apply as provided in the City’s Fee Schedule. Encroachment permit shall include traffic control plans and insurance. Prior to construction, applicant shall contact Public Works for an i nspection.
13. Performance Bond. Applicant shall provide Public Works with a Performance Bond in compliance with COA A.13 and B.15.
Post
Application
14. Certification. Applicant shall provide Public Works Post-Installation Certification in compliance with COA A.3 and B.5.
15. Contact Information. Applicant shall provide up-to-date contact information to Public Works in compliance with COA A.11 and B.13.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
6 INSTALLATIONS OF FREESTANDING POLES
The following are general specifications for the installations of wireless facilities on new privately-owned freestanding poles.
Table 6.1 – Design Standards for Installations of Freestanding Poles Ownership of Pole • Freestanding poles shall not be owned by the City and shall be owned by the applicant.
Luminaire • Per San Mateo standards or as designated by the Director of Public Works.
Electrical Service/Metering • Per PG&E’s requirements. Smart Meters or flat-rate billing, if available. • Conductors shall be spliced at base of pole in pull box. If there is no existing pull box, installation of a new pull box will be required.
• Grounding rod shall be located in the pull box.
• Tie into an existing City electrical circuit is not allowed.
Pole Type • Round, straight, galvanized steel.
• Pole bases shall be sized to handle the listed equipment and all other equipment required by the owner of the freestanding pole.
Shroud/Cover
• All hardware shall be hidden. Only one equipment shroud, containing all required wireless facility equipment, shall be installed per pole. Anchor bolts shall either be hidden from view, preferred, or treated and painted to match the pole color.
Color • Pole shall be galvanized in accordance with AASHTO M 111. • Equipment shall be painted to match existing pole aesthetics, paint shall be powder coated over zinc paint. Equipment cabinets shall still be galvanized.
Pole Height • The pole height inclusive of all equipment shall not exceed 35 feet.
Structural Analysis • Structural analysis shall be prepared and stamped by a pro fessionally licensed structural engineer. Certification that the pole foundation and attachments meet or exceed design parameters shall be provided to the Public Works Department. The analysis shall comply with current building code standards. The wireless facility shall be designed for a risk category IV.
• All structural components of the pole, standard, base, equipment cabinet, couplers, anchor bolts, luminaires, antenna, shroud, and other attachments to be used shall be designed in accordance with
AASHTO’s Standard Specifications for Structural
Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, TIA-222 rev G and ASCE 7-16 with IBC 2018 (or latest standard), plus amendment for other local conditions.
Pole Selection Site Analysis • If the applicant proposes a wireless facility on a new freestanding pole, the applicant must first identify all existing potential poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site along the subject right-of-way that is available and technically feasible. The applicant must also demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence in writing that any of these identified existing poles or support structures within 500 feet from the proposed site would be technically infeasible.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Conduits Sweeps • Eight (8) 2” PVC conduit sweeps shall be required. Conduit shall accommodate wireless facility carrier electrical and fiber with up to four (4) spare sweeps for future service.
Antenna • The top of the antenna shall be no higher than 48 in. above the top of the pole. • Antennas shall be shrouded to the maximum extent technically feasible. • A tapered transition between the pole and antenna shall be included if feasible. • Antennas shall be located at the top of the pole to the maximum extent technically feasible.
Stickers/Signs • Any on-pole cabinet and ground mounted utility box should be labeled with a (1) RF warning sticker, background to match pole color, no larger than 4 x 6 inches. Facing to the street near the elevation of the antennae, (2) 4-inch by 6-inch (maximum) plate with the provider’s name, location identifying information, and 24 -hour emergency telephone number, and (3) No advertising, logos or decals. • Existing traffic signs may be relocated to screen accessory equipment. CA MUTCD requirements for sign mounting height shall be met. Equipment screened by a sign must not change the silhouette of the sign as viewed by motorists. • A pole number label shall be installed.
Hardware • All mounting hardware shall be compatible with mounting surface and weather resistant.
Disconnect Switch • Bottom of disconnect switch shall be mounted at a minimum of 7 feet above grade or per PG&E’s standards.
Equipment Cabinet • All equipment shall be located internal to the equipment cabinet or recessed as much as possible in the equipment cabinet.
• All equipment shall be mounted per the Owner’s requirements.
Removal of Freestanding
Poles
• Poles shall be promptly removed under a separate encroachment permit once applicant is no longer using the pole to actively provide telecommunications service.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Placement Requirements
All freestanding wireless facility poles shall be privately owned and must be permitted by the City of San Mateo.
Freestanding poles shall not be approved except as provided in these Design Standards and Application Requirements. Freestanding poles shall be placed in accordance with the following requirements:
1. In a manner that does not impede, obstruct, or hinder pedestrian or vehicular travel.
2. So as not to be located along the frontage of a historic building, deemed historic on a federal, state, or local level.
3. So as not to significantly create a new obstruction to property sight lines, when reasonably feasible.
4. At the intersection of property lines, or along secondary property street facing.
5. Within the street amenity zone whenever possible.
6. In alignment with existing trees, utility poles, and streetlights.
7. Equal distance between trees when possible, with a minimum of 15 feet separation such that no proposed disturbance shall occur within the critical root zone of any tree.
8. With appropriate clearance from existing utilities.
9. Outside of the 20 -foot equipment clear zone (for base cabinets les s than 18-inches in diameter) or 30 - foot clear sight triangle (for base cabinets equal to or greater than 18-inches in diameter) at intersection corners as shown in Figure 5-7.
10. 10 feet away from the triangle extension of an alley way flare.
11. Shall not be located within 100 feet of the apron of a fire station or other adjacent emergency service facility.
12. No closer than 250 feet away, radially, from another privately-owned freestanding wireless facility.
13. Avoid, when reasonably feasible, placement in residential areas, near schools, and parks.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 6.1 – Freestanding Wireless Facility Spacing Radius
Freestanding poles shall be located
a minimum of 250 feet from other
freestanding poles
Existing streetlights and utility pole
locations do not affect the placement
of freestanding poles. Minimum 250
feet does not apply.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 6.2 – Freestanding Wireless Facility in Amenity Zone
Freestanding wireless facilities shall be located such that they in no way impede, obstruct, or hinder the usual pedestrian or vehicular travel, affect public safety, obstruct the legal access to or use of the public ROW, violate applicable law, violate or conflict with the City’s separate public ROW design standards, specifications, or design district requirements, violate the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or in any way create a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. Free standing wireless facilities shall be located within the ROW and off set from the sidewalk as shown in Figure 5.3
Figure 6.3 – Freestanding Wireless Facility Sight-Line Requirements
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Freestanding wireless facilities shall be located at intersecting property lines as much as possible. Whenever possible, the freestanding wireless facilities shall be located on the secondary street. Do not locate wireless facilities in clear sight triangle. Wireless facilities shall also be located a minimum of 15 feet away from trees to prevent disturbance within the critical root zone of any tree. The wireless facilities shall not be installed between the perpendicular extension of the primary street- facing wall plane of any single or two -family residence as shown in Figure 5-4.
Figure 6.4 – Freestanding Wireless facility Location between Property Lines
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Figure 6.5 – Freestanding Wireless Facility in Commercial Area
When located adjacent to a commercial establishment, such as a shop or restaurant, care should be taken to locate the wireles s facility such that it does not negatively impact the business. More specifically, wireless facilities shall not be located in -front of store front windows, primary walkways, primary entrances or exits, or in such a way that it would impede a delivery to the building. Wireless facilities should be located between properties as much as possible as shown above. Wireless facilities shall match the architecture of the surrounding neighborhood. The City shall have the authority to mandate the color and other a esthetics of wireless facility installations consistent with the City’s design preferences and the requirements in San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 17.10.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Table 6.2 – Procedures For Freestanding Poles [SMMC]
Pre-Application
1. Voluntary Informational Meeting with City Staff. Applicant may request a voluntary pre -submittal informational meeting with City staff to review potential locations and streamline the review process. This meeting is highly recommended in order to identify acceptab le designs. This voluntary informational meeting with City staff does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
2. Voluntary Informational Neighborhood Meeting. Applicant is encouraged to hold a voluntary neighborhood meeting at City Hall or via Zoom to discuss the proposed project with residents and property owners within a 500’ radius of the project location in order to receive feedback from interested parties.
This meeting is highly recommended for new freestanding poles. This voluntary neighborhood meeting does not cause the FCC Shot clock to begin.
Application
3. Submittal Appointment. Applicant submits Application, Checklist, Required Materials, and Deposit at a pre- scheduled appointment. City staff shall use reasonable efforts to provide the applicant with an appointment within five (5) working days after City staff receives a written request.
• Shot Clocks Starts
4. Notice Requirements. Within five (5) calendar days of application submittal, applicant provides notice by first class United States mail to all property owners and residents within 500’ of proposed project and posts in at least three locations near the site.
5. City Review. The City shall have ten (10) calendar days from the submission of the application to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
6. Power Walks. Applicant conducts power walks with City staff to determine point of electrical service connection. This shall be shown on the plans when applicant resubmits.
7. Applicant Resubmittal. If the City deems that the application is incomplete, the applicant responds to corrections and resubmits materials.
• Shot Clocks Restarts
8. Subsequent City Reviews and Resubmittals. City staff reviews and shall have ten ( 10) calendar days from the re- submission to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC Shot Clock limits.
9. Conditional Approval. City staff may approve the application when all findings are met as provided in the Code. If findings are not met, application will be denied and applicant will need to resubmit.
10. Notice of Decision. A decision notice is sent to the applicant within five (5) calendar days after the City acts on an application. City staff shall post notice of conditional approval with appeal process on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage when the decision notice is sent to the applicant. https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure [SMMC 17.10.070(e)] [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
Limited Exceptions. If the applicant claims that strict compliance with the Design Standards and Application Requirements would effectively prohibit the applicant’s ability to provide personal wireless services, City staff may grant a limited exception if required findings are met.
Appeals
11. Appeals. The applicant or any person who received notice of an application as provided in the Code may appeal any decision to approve or d eny a Wireless Permit. Appeals must be filed with Sustainability & Infrastructure Commission (S&IC) Secretary within five ( 5) calendar days following the decision. If no appeals, the project may be approved. If an appeal is received, staff will schedule a public hearing with S&IC to consider and act on the application in accordance with the required findings. If the appeal is denied by the S&IC, the project may be approved. If the appeal is approved by the S&IC, the project is denied and the applicant will need to resubmit.
[SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
Building Permit
12. Building Permit. Applicant applies for a Building Permit with the Building Division for PG&E release. A separate fee shall apply.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
Encroachment
Permit
13. Encroachment Permit. Applicant applies for an Encroachment Permit with the Public Works Department.
A separate fee shall apply as provided in the City’s Fee Schedule. Encroachment permit shall include traffic control plans and insurance. Prior to construction, applicant shall contact Public Works for an inspection.
14. Performance Bond. Applicant shall provide Public Works with a Performance Bond in compliance with COA A.13 and B.15.
Post
Application
15. Certification. Applicant shall provide Public Works Post -Installation Certification in compliance with COA A.3 and B.5.
16. Contact Information. Applicant shall provide up-to-date contact information to Public Works in compliance with COA A.11 and B.13.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
7 SECTION 6409 APPROVALS
Section 6409 Approvals shall comply with SMMC 17.10.110 and all design standards and application requirements in this document.
Table 7.1 – Procedures For Section 6409 Approvals [SMMC] Pre-Application
1. Voluntary Information Meeting with City Staff. Applicant may request a voluntary pre -submittal informational meeting with the City staff to review proposed modifications to the existing facility and streamline the review process. This meeting is highly recommended in order to identify acceptable designs.
This voluntary informational meeting does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
2. Voluntary Informational Neighborhood Meeting. Applicant is encouraged to hold a voluntary informational neighborhood meeting at City Hall or via Zoom to discuss the proposed project with residents and property owners within 500’ of the project location in order to receive feedback from interested parties. This voluntary informational neighborhood meeting does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
Application
3. Submittal Appointment. Applicant submits Application, Checklist, Required Materials, and Deposit at a pre- scheduled appointment. City staff shall use reasonable efforts to provide the applicant with an appointment within five (5) working days after City staff receives a written request. Alternative sites analysis is not required for Section 6409 approvals. A Section 6409 Evaluation indicating whether the proposed modification is an eligible facilities request that complies with the FCC is requ ired. • Shot Clocks Starts
4. City Review. The City shall have ten (10) calendar days from the submission of the application to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the City deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
5. Applicant Resubmittal. If the City deems that the application is incomplete, the applicant responds to corrections and resubmits materials.
• Shot Clocks Restarts
6. Subsequent City Reviews and Resubmittals. City staff reviews and shall have ten ( 10) calendar days from the re-submission to determine whether the application is incomplete. If the city deems that the application is complete, it shall review the application in accordance with the FCC shot clock limits.
7. Conditional Approval. City staff may approve the application when all findings are met as provided in the Code. If findings are not met, application will be denied and applicant will need to resubmit.
8. Notice of Decision. A decision notice is sent to the applicant within five (5) calendar days after the City acts on an application. City staff shall post the Notice of Decision on the Small Cell Infrastructure webpage when the decision notice is sent to the applicant. https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3865/Small-Cell-Infrastructure [SMMC 17.10.070(e)] [SMMC 17.10.070(f)]
9. Limited Exceptions. If the applicant claims that strict compliance with the Design Standards and Application Requirements would effectively prohibit the applicant’s ability to provide personal wireless services, City staff may grant a limited exception if required findings are met.
Appeals
10. Appeals. The applicant only (not the public) may appeal any decision to deny a Wireless Permit for 6409.
Appeals must be filed with the Director of Public Works within five ( 5) calendar days of the N otice of Decision. If the appeal is approved by the Director of Public Works, the project is denied and the applicant will need to resubmit.
[SMMC 17.10.110(e)]
Encroachment
Permit
11. Encroachment Permit. Applicant applies for an Encroachment Permit with the Public Works Department.
A separate fee shall apply as provided in the City’s Fee Schedule. Encroachment permit shall include traffic control plans and insurance. Prior to construction, applicant shall contact Public Works for an inspection.
12. Performance Bond. Applicant shall provide Public Works with a Performance Bond in compliance with COA A.13 and B.15.
Post
Application
13. Certification. Applicant shall provide Public Works Post -Installation Certification in compliance with COA A.3 and B.5.
14. Contact Information. Applicant shall provide up-to-date contact information to Public Works in compliance with COA A.11 and B.13.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
8 NON-CONFORMING WIRELESS FACILITIES
Any non -conforming wireless facilities in existence at the time these Design Standards and Application Requirements become effective shall be brought into conformance with the current Design Standards within ten (10) years upon receiving written notice from the City, or otherwise in accordance with applicable law.
Applicants are not only required to comply with these Design Standards and Application Requirements during the initial application, but are also required to continue to monitor compliance with application Design Standards in the future in accordance with applicable law.
The Design Standards and Application Requirements - 2021
APPENDIX
Appendix A: Wireless Communications Facilities
Permit Application
Public Works Department
www.cityofsanmateo.org
[email protected]
(650) 522-7300
Engineering Division
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Revised: March 2021
Wireless Communications Facilities
Permit Application
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prior to submittal of this Application, the Application Checklist and all other required materials, a meeting with staff is strongly encouraged. This voluntary informational meeting with City staff does not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
City staff may deem the application incomplete if the applicant fails to include any required information or materials. Applications shall comply with SMMC
17.10 and the Design Standards and Application Requirements.
Applicants may submit applications by appointment only. Please contact the Public Works Department for an appointment.
Applicant:
Name: ______________________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Fax: _______________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________________ Authorized Representative:
Name: ___________________________________________________________ Company: ________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Fax: __________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________________________ Pole Owner:
Name: ______________________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Fax: _______________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________________
Pole Owner’s Signature:
_________________________________________________________________ Printed Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Applicant’s Signature: (if different from Property Owner) _________________________________________________________________ Printed Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Proposed Site Location and Description:
Proposed Project Address: ________________________________________________________ Pole Number a:_____________________________________ Zoning District (for ROW, provide nearest zoning district): ________________________________ a If in the ROW, provide the pole number for the streetlight or pole.
Latitude/Longitude of Location: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Construction Value ($)/Project Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Applicant’s Request:
□ WIRELESS PERMIT □ SECTION 6409 APPROVAL □ OTHER __________________________________________________________________
STAFF USE ONLY
Applicable Shot Clock Period (for informational purposes only): □ 60 days □ 90 days □ OTHER: __________ Pre-App Submittal Meeting ________________________________________ Neighborhood Meeting ____________________________________________ Application Submittal _____________________________________________
Application Deemed Complete _____________________________________ Shot Clock Expiration _____________________________________________ Conditionally Approved ___________________________________________ Appeal _________________________________________________________
Appendix B: Wireless Communications Facilities
Permit Application Checklist
Public Works Department
www.cityofsanmateo.org
[email protected]
(650) 522-7300
Engineering Division
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Revised: March 2021
Wireless Communications Facilities
Permit Application Checklist
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prior to submittal of this Application Checklist, Application and all other required materials, a meeting with City staff is strongly encouraged. The City also recommends applicant holds a voluntary neighborhood meeting. These voluntary meetings shall not cause the FCC Shot Clock to begin.
City staff may deem the application incomplete if the applicant fails to include any required information or materials. Applications shall comply with SMMC
17.10 and Design Standards and Application Requirements.
All starred (*) items in the checklist below are not required for a Section 6409 Approval.
Applicants may submit applications by appointment only. Please contact the Public Works Department for an appointment.
Applicant:
Name: ______________________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Fax: _______________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________________ Proposed Site Location and Description:
Proposed Project Address: ___________________________________________ Project Description: _________________________________________________ Pole Number a:_____________________________________________________ a If in the ROW, provide the pole number for the streetlight or pole.
Applicant’s Request:
□ WIRELESS PERMIT □ SECTION 6409 APPROVAL
□ OTHER(describe request) __________________________________
APPLICATION CHECKLIST – REQUIRED MATERIALS