Antenna Submission Guidelines Update

The Commission is responsible for the review of antenna placement and their structures, including monopoles, towers, equipment buildings, and shelters, on federal land in the National Capital Region and on District of Columbia-owned land in Washington, DC. NCPC has approval authority on antennas located on federal land in Washington and District-owned land in the Central Area; elsewhere, the Commission has advisory authority. In general, the Commission’s review focuses on:

• Protecting the skyline, historic resources, and scenic character of the nation’s capital
• Preserving the general appearance of federal buildings
• Providing employees, visitors, and residents with a healthy and safe environment

The antenna guidelines address three categories of antennas and their review processes. These include permanent, temporary and small cell antennas. The previous guidelines did not distinguish between these antenna types. In order to address this, the guidelines now define temporary antennas as being in place for 90 days or less. Small cell antennas are defined as smaller, low-power cell antennas usually attached to existing streetlight poles or placed on new poles.

The antenna guidelines now include a set of criteria staff uses to evaluate antenna submissions. These guidelines propose new criteria to protect preeminent viewsheds identified in the Comprehensive Plan's Urban Design Element. As the need for more antenna infrastructure increases, the issue of cumulative impacts of multiple antennas is a growing concern. The guidelines now require an overall rooftop strategy for buildings in high demand, following consultation with NCPC staff. The safety of antennas is the responsibility of the submitting agency as they are responsible for meeting Federal Communications Commission guidelines.

Temporary antennas will not be required to be reviewed by NCPC. However agencies will need to submit a temporary antenna notification form. Cell on wheels antennas that are temporary are not reviewed by NCPC. The District government will review the small cell antennas when they are placed on public rights of way and NCPC will review them when they are placed on federal property.