Title
Resolution No. 19-03, Establishing Management and Deployment Standards for Small Cell Facilities Within the City of Oregon City Rights-of-Way
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Adopt Resolution No.19-03 Small Cell Design and Construction Standards Guidelines for the Public Rights-of-Way.
Background
The topic of Small Cell management and deployment within Oregon City Rights-of-Way (ROW) was introduced during the September 19, 2018, City Commission meeting. At that time, staff was given the direction to pursue standards and fees for reasonable management of Small Cell facilities within City ROW.
Under the direction of the City Commission, City staff invested time into understanding industry needs, federal regulations, and Oregon City historical data compiled regarding utility use of City rights-of-way. City staff found the following information:
Industry forecasts a 50% increase in deployment of Small Cell facilities between 2018-2020. An estimation of 40% of telecommunication providers will have 100-350 Small Cells per square mile by 2020. The use of data processing and wireless communication devices has skyrocketed. Industry anticipates a $275 billion investment in the deployment of 5G network capabilities.
The telecommunication industry is a changing/advancing utility and has become a vital part of building prosperous communities. The demand for data processing capacity has led industry to seek solutions in Small Cell deployments along Oregon City’s ROW. Pursuant to the changing demands of the telecommunication industry, the Federal Communication Commission published new rulings on January 14, 2019, regarding the management and deployment of Small Cell Facilities within City ROW. FCC regulations limit the City’s local authority and have inspired many local agencies to adopt design and construction standards for small cell installations.
In consideration, staff has reviewed compliance with established City Code, and State and Federal regulations. Staff have also been working with other Oregon Agencies including Oregon Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors, local agencies, and other industry experts to develop standards that reflect Oregon City’s local needs while respecting the direction of other adopted national, state, and local regulation.
The purpose of these recommended standards is to ensure that Small Cell wireless communication facilities within the public rights-of-way are designed and constructed in a manner that protects and preserves the physical capacity and aesthetic value of the public rights-of-way. These guidelines shall provide requirements and permitting processes that allow for reasonable access to the public rights-of-way for Small Cell facilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and City ordinances. Finally, the standards guidelines seek to facilitate and streamline the rollout of Small Cell infrastructure while at the same time safeguard the public rights-of-way and prevent undue hazards to property, the environment, public health, welfare, and safety.
The attached Small Cell Design and Construction Standard Guidelines for Public Rights-of-Way (Exhibit A) outlines Oregon City’s standards for this quickly developing industry.
Staff recommends the adoption of these standards in compliance with both State and Federal regulations and for a reasonable management and deployment of Small Cells in Oregon City Public Rights-of-Way.