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Improving County Cell Phone Coverage, By Zach Friend, Supervisor
The County is in the process of modernizing local codes to improve cell coverage within our region.
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Over the last two years, a number of high-profile incidents have highlighted the growing need for improved cell coverage. From the CZU fires to the recent tragedy at Aptos High, the inability to reach out to emergency responders because of inadequate cell coverage was a repeated theme.
Recently, the Board of Supervisors conducted a study session on the current gaps in and changes in state and federal laws that necessitate updates in our local ordinance.
What are the
Current Challenges?
County cell phone coverage, especially in the rural areas, is spotty at best. The Sheriff’s Office and CHP have spoken publicly about the need for improved coverage throughout the County in order to ensure that residents have the ability to contact emergency services. But the need for improved cell coverage expands beyond public safety.
As we saw during the pandemic, wireless communications (and high-speed internet) are essential tools for modern life. From economic activity to remote learning to tele-health, many in our community rely on wireless options as their primary way to access information and communicate.
According to David Witkowski, a local resident and nationally-recognized expert on wireless communications, in the Western United States more than 60 percent of households are wireless-only — they rely exclusively on cell service for their phone needs. He notes these rates are even higher for low-income households, renters and younger community members.
According to an analysis by the
California Emerging Technology Fund, 15 percent of households access the Internet exclusively from a smartphone. More than 80 percent of calls to emergency services originate on a cell phone. Yet, coverage (and capacity) throughout our area is inadequate.
State and Federal Law
Current County regulations surrounding wireless facilities are out of compliance with regulatory changes at the state and federal level.
California’s recent adoption of Assembly Bill 537 (AB 537), which becomes law on Jan. 1, 2022, codifies into state law the Federal Communications Commission’s time constraints or “shot clocks” under which local governments must review and approve or disapprove an application for a wireless communication facility. In late 2018, the FCC issued an order to remove certain state and local regulatory barriers that inhibit the deployment of wireless facilities. A key component of this order was the creation of a new shot clock that places time constraints for approval of these proposed facilities.
With the passage of AB 537, California codified the shot clocks as set forth in the FCC order. The shot clocks are as follows: • Co-location of small wireless facilities: 60 days to act upon to an application. • Co-location of facilities other than small wireless facilities: 90 days. • Construction of new small wireless facilities: 90 days. • Construction of new facilities other than small wireless facilities: 150 days.
By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
County cell phone coverage, especially in the rural areas, is spotty at best. The Sheriff’s Office and CHP have spoken publicly about the need for improved coverage ... But the need for improved cell coverage expands beyond public safety.
What Changes are Proposed?
In the proposed regulations, most subjective requirements have been removed or reserved for sensitive locations, and many repetitive sections (e.g., co-location and visual impacts) have been merged or removed.
Overall, the proposed regulations contain more objective standards while eliminating language that is subject to varying interpretations. The proposed regulations would comply with state and federal regulatory changes (such as AB 537) and create a streamlined process for applications.
The County is also looking at requiring 72 hours of backup electrical power for all wireless cellular sites, which aligns with recent California Public Utilities Commission requirements and Senate Bill 431.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a general framework to send to the Planning Commission for a public hearing to officially begin the process of updating and modernizing the code. The Board directed County staff to conduct environmental review regarding adoption of the proposed amendments pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
After Planning Commission consideration, the item will come back to the Board of Supervisors for an additional public hearing. If adopted, these changes should improve the number of options for cell coverage throughout our county. n •••
If you have any questions about the proposed code changes, or any other matters in our district, please don’t hesitate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media as well at www.facebook.com/ supervisorfriend.
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Max was an outdoor only dog in his previous home, and he didn’t get a lot of attention or exercise. Max would frequently get out of his yard by jumping the fence, so his owner decided to surrender him to the Shelter.
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Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter:
Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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