HomeMy WebLinkAbout260303 Telecomm Special PresentationJennifer A. Giuttari, Asst. City Attorney
March 3, 2026
Changes to the Bozeman Municipal Code ~
Wireless Facilities
(found at 38.330 BMC)
Special Presentation
INTRODUCTION
•Robust cell coverage is necessary for our community
Ensures public safety
Supports economic development
Facilitates consistent communication
PURPOSE OF THE WIRELESS FACILITIES CODE
•Local governments have an interest in regulating the location, placement, dimensions, & design of telecommunication facilities
BMC has traditionally balanced the need for new facilities with the impacts on the community
•Federal legislation & Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) rulings are the primary regulating authorities
Why Update the Wireless Facilities Code?
ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW
•In FY ’25 -’26, the Commission approved $50,000 for this
project
•In March 2025, the Commission approved a contract for
$26,250 with CityScape Consultants
Developed a wireless facilities inventory (complete)
Created a wireless facilities coverage map (complete)
Review BMC for compliance with federal law (on-going)
The Process
Ensuring the BMC Complies with Federal Law
•Revising definitions
e.g. update “Antenna” and “Collocation” definitions
•Include necessary new definitions
e.g. “Breakpoint Technology” & “Concealed”
•Recommendations for approval processes and required
submittal materials (discussion on-going)
Results of CityScape’s Review of BMC
EXAMPLES OF SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS
1. Finish BMC revisions
2. Begin the zone text amendment process, including
taking this to the Community Development Board
3. Present before the City Commission
Next Steps
Anticipated Completion Date: End of FY ‘26