Local government control over permits for cell sites and other wireless facilities was drastically curtailed in California. Steve Blum, president of Tellus Venture Associates, offer options for cities and counties at a seminar sponsored by Joint Venture Silicon Valley in San Jose on 8 March, 2016

1. TellusVenture
Associates
®
Maintaining control of
wireless permits and
adapting to AB 57
requirements
8 March 2016

2. Shot clocks designed
for fast decisions: yes
or no
• Same rules but new process
• Requires change of culture
• 150 day clock = less than 90 days
working time
• Assume colocations fall under 60-day
clock
• No more back and forth with
applicants
TellusVenture Associates

3. Front load application
process
• Justification for less than 150-day window
• All state & federal permits, licenses done
• Photo simulations, including future modifications
• CEQA studies, including seasonal bio surveys
• All information for all local permits, e.g.
encroachment
• Valid permit for existing structures
• Neighborhood meeting
TellusVenture Associates

4. Encourage
pre-application
consultation
• Allow waivers for favored designs,
locations such as facade mounts, light
poles
• Fast track city property, ROW
• If OK waive neighborhood meeting,
allow negative declaration
• Denial of waiver is denial of application
TellusVenture Associates

5. Set up review for
quick initial decision
• Publish detailed checklist
• Request additional info within 30 days
• Administrative approval/denial without
hearing
• Incomplete application, design
changes grounds for denial
• No additions, changes, amendments
without mutual agreement to pause
(toll)
TellusVenture Associates

6. Automatic appeal of denials
to city council
5 days to appeal approvals,
assume clock keeps running
TellusVenture Associates

7. Establish stringent standard
permit conditions
Waivers only possible by
affirmative grant
TellusVenture Associates

8. TellusVenture
Associates
®
TellusVenture Associates
Contact:
Steve Blum
Tellus Venture Associates
+1-831-582-0700
steveblum@tellusventure.com
www.tellusventure.com
Adapting to AB 57 requirements
8 March 2016