GENERAL INFORMATION

Local Regulations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits the City's local authority to regulate Telecommunications Facilities.

Limitations on the City’s authority to regulate telecommunications facilities, generally for sites on private property, are provided in Chapter 13.02- Regulation of Telecommunication Facilities, of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code.

Limitations on the City's authority to regulate telecommunications facilities in the public rights-of-way are provided in Chapter 13.04 Wireless Facilities in Public Rights-of-Way of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code. Resolution No. 19-0044 provides design, location and development standards for these facilities and is authorized by MBMC Section 13.04.060 (C). Telecom Permits in the ROW submitted after April 16, 2019 need to comply with these new regulations and standards.

Noise is not a factor in the City’s review of telecom applications, as telecommunications equipment is not subject to the City’s noise regulations per MBMC Section 5.48.230.

Impacts to views is not a factor in the City’s review of telecom applications, as the City does not have regulations “protecting” the views of any resident, business owner, property owner, or any other entity

Please see the School Buffer Zone Map, where new Telecommunication permits in the public rights-of-way (ROW) are not permitted.

Local discretion to deny wireless telecom facilities is limited by the federal Telecommunications Act. Local discretion to deny wireless telecom facilities in the public right-of-way is further restricted by other federal regulations, including 47 CFR § 1.6100 Wireless Facility Modifications, FCC Report and Order 14-153 dated October 17, 2014, and FCC Report and Order 18-133 dated September 26, 2018.

Federal law prohibits cities from denying a wireless facility based on potential health or environmental impacts of radio frequency emissions. Additionally, cities cannot unreasonably discriminate among similar carriers, or impose regulations and deny a facility, if the denial precludes a carrier from addressing a significant gap in its wireless coverage.

Specifically, 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(B)(iv) states:

No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the [Federal Communication] Commission's regulations concerning such emissions.

For further information, please visit the FCC's Radio Frequency Safety Program Website.

FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants should review federal and local regulations (see General Information above), and the checklists and handouts below to prepare their submittals. All telecom permits are applied through the City's Citizen Self-Service (CSS) online portal.

Submittal Checklist for Telecommunications Facilities (PDF)

Post-Installation RF Report Acknowledgement Form (PDF)

Small Cell Eligibility Checklist Form (PDF)

City of Manhattan Beach Survey Guidelines (PDF)

Covenant Template (PDF)

Standard Conditions for Telecommunication Facilities (PDF)

Joint Pole Authority (JPA) SAMPLE “Authorization for Joint Pole Transaction”
J.P. Form 2-1 (PDF)

Small Cell Neighboring Noticing Template (DOC)

Site License Agreement (SLA) Template (DOC)- for use on City-owned poles only

RESIDENTS

The City held a Telecommunications Community Open House on June 18, 2019.

Telecommunications Community Workshop (September 26, 2017) - Agenda and Video

CONTACT

For more information on Telecommunication facilities, please contact Planning Staff at planning@citymb.info. To speak to a Planner by telephone, please call 310-802-5520.

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