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Small Cell Wireless/5G in Oregon City
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RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Provide feedback and guidance as needed.
BACKGROUND:
Oregon City and other local agencies around the state have been approached by several vendors and wireless providers on the idea of installing new Small Cell wireless facilities in the public rights-of-ways (ROW). Agency ROW and other utility coordination staff have been considering Small Cell concepts, concerns, and working on local regulations to address this new technology and the associated facilities.
Wireless service provision inside Oregon City could be improved via the Small Cell technology, however the technology is new, it’s developing and changing at a rapid pace, and there are impacts to the ROW.
The number of vendors offering to permit and build small cell infrastructure is growing and the physical needs of these facilities is transforming almost daily. The City’s existing Code is focused on Macro Cell Sites (cell towers) and does not adequately address the needs and concerns of Small Cell.
The City’s ROW Code and overall management program provide the overarching structure to license Small Cell vendors, however the City does not have Small Cell design standards and fees specifically for Small Cell. The permit fees are structured more for the project scale of a cell tower facility.
This presentation will provide general information about Small Cell wireless, share key regional discussions related to allowable permitting and construction standards, and to discuss staff views on licensing and permit requirements.