Session Law 2013-185 (House Bill 664) - Summary

• Streamlines the process for deploying wireless broadband and mobile telecommunications facilities by establishing standardized procedures for cities and counties to approve placement of wireless support structures and equipment

• Prohibits local governments from requiring applicants to disclose business information justifying need for new wireless facilities, including propagation maps and traffic studies; review limited to public safety, land use, and zoning issues including aesthetics, setbacks, and fall zones

• Establishes "eligible facilities requests" for modifications to existing wireless towers that do not substantially change physical dimensions; cities and counties must approve these requests within 45 days of submission with a maximum $1,000 fee

• Defines "substantial modification" based on specific physical criteria: vertical height increase exceeding 10%, horizontal protrusions exceeding 20 feet, or equipment compound expansion exceeding 2,500 square feet

• Authorizes the State to lease property for construction and operation of wireless towers and equipment, with new state-owned towers designed for shared use by multiple providers unless infeasible; effective October 1, 2013