HB1738 Summary

• Reenacts and amends the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, extending its effectiveness and setting forth the complete text after Public Act 102-9 did not include the full statute.

• Establishes that small wireless facilities are classified as permitted uses subject to administrative review and exempts them from zoning review if collocated in rights-of-way or on property zoned exclusively for commercial or industrial use.

• Limits local authority application fees to $650 for single facility collocations on existing structures and $1,000 for facilities requiring new utility pole installations; requires authorities to process applications and deem them approved if not acted upon within 90-120 days.

• Caps annual recurring rates for small wireless facility collocations on authority utility poles at $200 per year or actual direct costs, whichever is lower, and prohibits exclusive arrangements between authorities and wireless providers.

• Schedules the Act's repeal for December 31, 2024, while validating all actions taken in reliance on the Act since June 1, 2021.