Dealing with Towers, Antennas, and Satellite Dishes

Abstract

Communities face increasing pressure to site telecommunications facilities. But because communications involve national interests, federal laws, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, often limit the amount of control communities have over siting these facilities. This article reviews the recent changes in federal law and explains how communities might still address the siting of communications facilities in their local planning and zoning programs. First, the article gives a historical sketch of the communications industry, its impact on communities, and federal and local control before 1996.