How will cellular providers seek approval to install a Small Wireless Facility (SWF)?

Yes; a person/provider may install, construct or operate a small wireless facility on private property with the following:

• Obtained written consent of the property owner and, if applicable, easement holder;
• Obtained required approval from any applicable regulatory agency or utility, and
• Obtained any permits required by this Code, after obtaining a recommendation by the TTFCC.
• Small Wireless Facility placed on private property must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the zoning requirements of Subtitle 27 of this Code, and the Design Manual.

Residents may request additional information from the following cellular providers:

• Legislation
• County Code
• Zoning Ordinance (private property)
• Design Manual

The legislation proposes that no person may construct or operate a Small Wireless Facility within the public right-of-way, or on any structure or support structure in the public right-of-way, without first entering into a fully executed Master License Agreement with the County as required by this Division (Sec. 5A-159.) and complying with all requirements listed in this Code. This uniform Master License Agreement shall include all provisions necessary to ensure the overall interests of public health, safety, and welfare.

A Small Wireless Facility, also known as Small Cell Technology, is the infrastructure and equipment that cellular providers will install to meet the growing demand for cell phone, tablet and other connected devices people will use as part of their everyday lives.

Prince George’s County will be the "regulator" of the program. The County legislation establishes the regulatory framework that will allow Small Wireless Facilities to be installed in the County. Many of the specific details related to the aesthetics will be set out in a Design Manual that will be issued administratively by the County Executive, consistent with her authority under Section 5A of the County Code.

The growing use of smart phones and wireless devices have driven the need for technological advances in the telecommunication infrastructure as the demand places strains the existing infrastructure. To address this growing demand for wireless technology, cellular providers propose to increase the capacity of their networks by installing Small Wireless Facilities to reduce data traffic load on the larger cell towers.

The legislation proposes at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to acceptance by the Telecommunications Transmission Facility, every applicant shall send an informational mailing to all adjoining property owners, including owners whose property lies directly and diagonally across the street, alley, or stream and to every municipality located within one mile of the new facility, to the Council Member of the District where the new facility is proposed and all at-large Council member and to all civic associations registered with The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission located within one mile of the new proposed Telecommunications Transmission Facility. If an application proposes the siting of a Telecommunications Transmission Facility in the Public Right-of-Way, an informational mailing shall also be sent to the owner of the property underlying the portion of the right-of-way on which the proposed facility would be located.