Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) consist of antennas and equipment that transmit and receive data for cell phone and other mobile communication services. The Telecom Section reviews applications for compliance with the City's Land Development Code. There are approximately 2,000 WCF within the City.

Wireless Communication Facility Requirements

• Wireless Communication Facility Regulations (Land Development Code, 141.0420)
• Information Bulletin 536, “Wireless Communication Facilities” September 2009 (PDF: 145K)
• Council Policy 600-43, “City of San Diego Wireless Communication Facilities Policy”

Radio Frequency (RF) Safety

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates safety related to cell phones and antenna facilities. Based on regulations set forth in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the City is not permitted to evaluate applications based on health-related concerns. However, prior to issuance of a building permit, wireless carriers are required to submit a report demonstrating compliance with FCC regulations.

• FCC RF Safety Information from the FCC about RF safety, regulations, and requirements.
• RadTown USA Information from the U.S. EPA regarding radiation sources.
• US Food & Drug Administration Information from the FDA regarding cell phones.

Facilities on City Property

The City of San Diego's Real Estate Assets Department welcomes the opportunity to lease City property to telecommunication carriers seeking to expand their network infrastructure within the City and on City-owned property throughout the County of San Diego. Please contact Carol Young at clyoung@sandiego.gov or (619) 236-6081.

• Council Policy 700-10, "Disposition of City-owned Real Property" Discusses leases with the City and site access fees for telecommunication facilities.

Resources

• Wireless Communication Facility Guidelines Full Version (PDF: 10Mb)
  • Part 1 Pages 1-4 (PDF: 1.7 Mb)
  • Part 2 Pages 5-8 (PDF: 1.6 Mb)
  • Part 3 Pages 9-12 (PDF: 1.8 Mb)
  • Part 4 Pages 13-16 (PDF: 1.7 Mb)
  • Part 5 Pages 17-20 (PDF: 1.7 Mb)
  • Part 6 Pages 21-23 (PDF: 1.3 Mb)
  • Part 7 Pages 24-25 (PDF: 904K)

  Used in conjunction with the Wireless Communication Facilities regulations of the Land Development Code. The guidelines include:

  • Building Collocation
• Ground Mounted Facilities
• All Wireless Communication
• Additional Resources
• Justification Map Example (PDF: 175K)
  This is an example of the minimum requirements for a Justification Map as stated in Information Bulletin 536.