NEW: How is it that other cities have successfully prohibited cell towers near residences? example: Palo Alto, Burlingame, Hillsborough near here but there are others.

We are not aware of any cities, including those mentioned, with an outright prohibition on installations in residential zones. In fact, to do so would violate the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. The recommended practice is to require carriers to demonstrate that no other more-preferred locations are technically feasible. If a carrier cannot make that demonstration, cities can reject applications for installations proposed for residential zones. Each of the cities mentioned, including the City of San Mateo, have rejected proposed installations on the grounds that more preferred locations are available. The City of San Mateo’s ordinance provides that residential zones are the “least preferred” location. (San Mateo Municipal Code Section 17.10.090.)

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1. What is a small cell facility?
2. What is Public Right of Way?
3. What is the range of these systems?
4. Can the City prohibit the installation of wireless telecommunication facilities?
5. Does the City prefer wireless facilities on wood poles?
6. What is 5G? How does it relate to current installations of wireless telecommunications facilities? What are requirements for 5G?
7. Which agency establishes limits for radio frequency (RF)?
8. How can I get more information about my health concerns?
9. Can Local and State governmental bodies establish limits for RF exposure?
10. Is a permit required from the City for these installations?
11. Does the City’s permit review address the design of the facility?
12. Are these facilities subject to the California Environmental Quality Act or additional environmental review?
13. UPDATED: Who legally owns the poles or wires? Who can legally attach equipment?
14. UPDATED: Once the City issues a wireless permit can other carriers install additional facilities on the same pole?
15. How long would construction take for a small cell facility?
16. Do other cities have these small cell systems?
17. Are Cities allowed to impose a moratorium?
18. NEW: How is it that other cities have successfully prohibited cell towers near residences? example: Palo Alto, Burlingame, Hillsborough near here but there are others.
19. UPDATED: Can I protest DPW’s tentative approval of a wireless permit?
20. NEW: How can a resident appeal? What basis of appeals that succeed?
21. NEW: Does the City of San Mateo have a conflict of interest in protecting the public because the city receives money from all the cell companies?
22. NEW: Who decides what is attractive?
23. NEW: Are you allowed to put small cells on schools? Near schools? On islands?
24. NEW: My house in the park is a cell phone "dead spot" Will the towers help with that?
25. NEW: There could be a proliferation of small cells as a result of 5G implementation. We could see boxes on poles less than 500 feet apart, can the city limit only one vendor per pole?
26. NEW: What control do we have on power poles in back of our properties? What protections do residents have?
27. NEW: What recourse do we have if a telecom wants to install a device by our house?
28. NEW: Where do we have cell towers now? Where are new ones going?
29. NEW: 401 Occidental was denied, the new location is just across the street - Why?
30. NEW: How many new towers will be installed in San Mateo Park and where will they be?
31. NEW: Who specifically at the city is responsible for keeping citizens of San Mateo Park and City of San Mateo informed about cell towers?