With any of the three telecommunications permits, will I need a building permit?
Consult the Inspection Services Division (ISD). They can help you determine if you need a building permit.
Small Cell Facilities FAQs
Is my project a small cell wireless facility?
Small cell facilities increase capacity to a wireless communication provider’s network in high-traffic areas. They typically consist of an antenna, enclosed or exposed, and associated wireless equipment.
The Zoning Division will determine if your project meets the definition found in the Code of Virginia, which defines a small cell facility as a wireless facility meeting both of the following qualifications:
- Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six (6) cubic feet in volume, or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than six (6) cubic feet.
- All other wireless equipment associated with the facility has a cumulative volume of no more than 28 cubic feet, or such higher limit as is established by the Federal Communications Commission.
I’m co-locating equipment. Should I apply for a small cell facilities permit or a co-location permit?
If the proposed wireless facility is being installed on an existing structure on private property, and its dimensions fall within the legal definition of a small cell facility, you must apply for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit for Small Cell Facilities. Per the state code, the co-location permit is reserved for non-small cell facilities.
The existing structure to which I am attaching a small cell facility was approved through a Special Exception County Board Use Permit. For which telecommunications permit should I apply?
- If you are co-locating a new facility (antenna + supporting equipment), and the dimensions of the facility fall within the parameters of the definition for a small cell facility, apply for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit for Small Cell Facilities.
- If you are co-locating supporting equipment only (without an antenna), apply for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit to Co-Locate on an Existing Structure.
I already have an approved small cell facility permit. I propose to add or replace equipment on the same small cell facility. Which application should I use?
- If you are replacing supporting equipment only, use the Zoning Telecommunications Permit for Small Cell Facilities.
- If you are adding supporting equipment…
- And the existing equipment and the new equipment together exceed 28 cubic feet, use the Zoning Telecommunications Permit to Co-locate on an Existing Structure.
- And the existing equipment and the new equipment together do not exceed 28 cubic feet, use the Zoning Telecommunications Permit for Small Cell Facilities.
Collocation FAQs
What does “co-locate” mean?
Per the state code, co-locate means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate or replace a wireless facility on, under, within or adjacent to a base station, building, existing structure, utility pole or wireless support structure.
What qualifies as a co-location project for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit to Co-locate on an Existing Structure?
Per the state code, a co-location project is defined as the co-location on any existing structure of a wireless facility that is not a small cell facility.
What if I want to co-locate a small cell facility?
If you want to co-locate a facility whose dimensions fall within the legal definition of a small cell facility onto an existing structure on private property, you must apply for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit for Small Cell Facilities.
New Structures FAQs
What qualifies as a new structure for a Zoning Telecommunications Permit for a New Structure?
A new structure that:
- Reaches up to 50 feet above ground level;
- Is designed to support small cell facilities;
- Does not exceed 10 feet above the highest utility pole within 500 feet of the new structure in the same public right-of-way or line of utility poles; and
- Is not within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local, state or federal historic district
How do I determine if my structure exceeds 10 feet above the highest utility pole within 500 feet of the new structure in the same public right-of-way or line of utility poles?
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) can provide information regarding heights of utility poles in Arlington.
How can I find out if my new structure is within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local, state or federal historic district?
Start by consulting the Arlington County Historic Preservation Program (HPP).