NY A02636

Establishes a uniform statewide process for municipal review of wireless facility placement, construction, and modification in municipalities without existing local laws governing such facilities.

Requires applicants to obtain permits from municipal building inspectors and undergo public hearings within 90 days of application submission, with written decisions due within 62 days of the hearing.

Sets standards for wireless facility approval including FCC compliance, minimization of visual impact, location restrictions (1,500 feet from elementary/secondary schools), prohibition of artificial illumination unless required by FAA, and vegetation preservation with landscaping requirements.

Mandates applicants demonstrate specific need for proposed facilities, provide coverage analysis showing existing facilities cannot serve adequately, include public health data on radio wave effects, and show that co-locating with existing facilities is not technically and commercially reasonable.

Allows municipalities to enact stricter local laws than the statewide minimum standards and requires contracts include provisions for removal of unused facilities after 12 months of non-use, with municipality authority to enforce removal and recover attorney fees.