AGENDA DATE: 3/20/2019
TITLE:
Review of the Personal Wireless Service Facilities Policy
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Prioritize the review of the Personal Wireless Service Facilities Policy
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Davis, Graham, Fritz
PRESENTER (S): Bill Fritz
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Board has recently expressed some interest in considering an update of its wireless policy, presumably to be followed with changes to regulations based on those policy changes. Staff notes this is not currently part of its work program and staff is fully allocated. In anticipation of a future request, staff is providing some information that may help the Board to prioritize this against other interests.
Cell phones first became available in Albemarle County in the late 80s. The increased usage of wireless communications is well known. Many sources state that 90% of adults have a cell phone. When the County adopted the Wireless Policy in 2000, use of cell phones was largely limited to voice. Use of phones has changed dramatically from voice to data. The County has not proactively engaged the community to determine if there has been a shift in attitude toward the infrastructure that supports the current and anticipated use of phones.
Bedford County developed a telecommunications policy in 2002. As part of developing the policy, the County conducted a survey to determine what was important to the citizens. In 2012 Bedford County updated the policy and conducted a new survey. Some of the results indicate a clear shift in attitudes.
-In 2002 60%+ of respondents were annoyed with cell towers. In 2012 72.5% said they do not find cell towers unsightly.
-In 2002 72% of respondents did not approve of taller towers. In 2012 75.5% said they would prefer taller cell towers as opposed to more short ones.
-In 2002 67% wanted towers of less than...
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