HB2845 Summary

• Amends the Counties Code to establish zoning regulations for telecommunications carrier and AM broadcast station facilities located in unincorporated county areas.

• Requires facility designers to apply the most restrictive zoning restrictions of adjoining properties when those restrictions are stricter than the facility lot's zoning.

• Establishes different regulatory frameworks for counties with populations under 180,000 (permits facilities meeting specified height and separation standards) versus 180,000 or more (stricter height limits and setback requirements, with variations available through county board approval).

• Allows facilities to use existing or qualifying structures without exceeding 15 feet above the original structure height, and permits facilities on the same lot as other uses without violating multiple-structure prohibitions.

• Requires county boards to complete building permit reviews within 30 days and to act on variation applications within 75 days, with deemed approval if deadlines are missed.