Federal Law Exempting Cell Towers and Communications Antennas From Local Zoning and Safety Laws

This live webinar will describe Section 6409(a) of the 2012 Middle Class Tax Relief Act, 47 U.S.C. § 1455(a), which says that it requires state and local approval for wireless tower collocations and other wireless tower modifications. We will describe the many legal and technical issues under this new statute, including what towers are covered, what types of communications providers can use Section 6409(a), FCC proposals that it covers new antennas placed on buildings and other structures, what modifications are covered and which of the many state and local laws (zoning, codes, environmental, other) are affected. We will describe how these laws are affected (is any approval needed?) and will describe the serious issue of Section 6409(a)'s constitutionality. Attending this program will give you the tools to identify and discuss issues that are likely to be raised by wireless firms, such as whether Section 6409(a) grants condemnation authority, and will provide practical guidance on how municipalities and providers can work together while Section 6409(a) is being clarified by the courts and the FCC. You will come away with useful legal knowledge about what is certain about Section 6409(a), what is uncertain, and practical guidance on how to proceed.