Purpose

Although wireless facilities are not new in the City of Lewes the increased use and rapid evolution of the technology has resulted in changes in the use of equipment.  To address the increasing demand for wireless services, providers plan to increase the capacity of their networks by deploying small cell antennas, primarily on poles and street lights in the public right-of-way to supplement and improve services.  The networks are also being upgraded to handle 5G signals which are expected to further expand the use and demands for data access.  While providers are moving forward with plans to upgrade their networks, communities like Lewes are evaluating the procedures used to permit the construction of the systems, using its local code and ordinances.  As the technology has evolved so too has new federal and state regulations, primarily to promote the expansion of the technology.  As a result of the federal and state rulings new laws have been adopted to "streamline" municipal review by exempting some topics from local review, defining review timetables and limiting fees that can be applied.  To ensure that residents and businesses can benefit from the new technology, while seeking to maintain the values that have been identified as important to protect, the City is evaluating its review processes.  It is anticipated that the outcomes will include code and ordinance updates, a revised permit application/review process and refined standards used to guide the design and placement of the system components.

The following diagram flowchart illustrates the proposed review process for any wireless facility application in the City of Lewes.