SDOT Invites Public Comment on Draft Standards for Small Wireless Facilities

SDOT Is Asking for Feedback on How Antennas,  Other Wireless Equipment Placed on Telephone Poles Should Look

 

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD RUNS NOVEMBER 13th THROUGH NOVEMBER 27th.  HERE’S HOW TO  HAVE YOUR SAY ON THIS SUBJECT THAT AFFECTS EVERYONE!

On November 13, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) published the initial draft of its proposed Small Wireless Facility (SWF) design standards. These standards are being proposed in order to reduce visual impacts to the streets and sidewalks that form the public right-of-way by establishing rules concerning SWF design.

Most often installed on poles in the public right-of-way, SWF are antennas and related equipment that are smaller than traditional cell towers and extend wireless network coverage. With increasing reliance on mobile connectivity, wireless providers will need to increase the capacity of their networks and will want to install more SWF throughout Seattle.

The proposal sets SWF design expectations for wireless providers, the City, and the public and provides clear direction on City requirements. These standards are being developed in order to benefit the people who live, travel, and work in Seattle.

The design standards will apply to devices installed on all poles in Seattle’s right-of-way and apply to both wood and metal poles, such as telephone poles and streetlights. In addition to establishing the maximum dimensions for any device installed on poles, the standards set the maximum height increases for replacement poles.

To help residents visualize the appearance of SWF, examples of installations on wood and steel poles similar to the standards being proposed by SDOT and line drawings of the proposed standards can be viewed online.

The initial SDOT draft design standards can be read here. There will be standards specific to the Waterfront Project Area included in a future draft.

Members of the public are invited to comment on the initial draft of the SWF design standards. The public comment period runs for two weeks: starting November 13, 2019 and closing at 5pm on November 27, 2019. Comments may be submitted online or by e-mail at telecom.wireless@seattle.gov.

For more information,

Contact: Brian Hardison, sdot.media@seattle.gov, 206-256-5411

 

 

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