• By Stephen Staudigl
• April 30, 2020

NCPC Holds Online Special Meeting to Hear Update on Antenna Guidelines

In response to the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance on gatherings, on Wednesday, April 29 the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) held its first ever online meeting to test digital technology in preparation to conduct its regularly scheduled Thursday, May 7, 2020 meeting online. Information about participating in NCPC’s online meetings is available online.

Commissioners learned about online meetings, and then heard an information presentation in which NCPC staff provided a summary update of the agency’s antenna guidelines. The Commission took no action on the presentation.

NCPC first adopted antenna guidelines in 1988 and most recently updated them in 2001. NCPC staff uses these guidelines when developing recommendations on antenna projects that the Commission reviews. The guidelines seek to protect Washington’s skyline, historic resources, and scenic character while providing a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors.

However, since 2001 there have been significant advances in technology, in addition to an increased demand for multiple types of telecommunication infrastructure, that necessitate an update of the guidelines. For example, the existing guidelines don’t address the various types of antenna installations, the criteria for evaluating installations is too vague, and the current review process does not differentiate between temporary, permanent, and small cell antennas.

NCPC staff will draft an update to the existing guidelines that will be released this summer for public review and comment. The goal is to bring updated guidelines to the Commission for adoption this fall.

Commission meeting materials are available online.