EAST LANSING, Mich. — In response to concerns from residents and with the approval of East Lansing City Council, the City of East Lansing has approved a set of guidelines for small cell wireless facilities in the City’s right-of-way.
The new document establishes general guidance for the design, aesthetic installation, placement and colocation of small cell networks and small cell wireless facilities. The guidelines specifically address small cell wireless facilities that consist of smaller poles, antennas and associated equipment since these require a denser implementation to meet coverage and capacity demands.
In March, City Council created a small cell wireless ad hoc committee to explore potential guidelines or ordinances related to the construction of 5G small cell wireless facilities. This action was taken in response to notification by Crown Castle that several applications would likely be submitted to the City for approval.
The City’s guidelines are modeled on guidelines adopted by the cities of Ann Arbor and Mount Pleasant. Michigan Act 365 of 2018 establishes the laws regarding construction of small cell facilities in the state.
To date, the City has received 33 applications, which includes both the construction of new towers as well as the use of existing poles. The addresses of the proposed locations and an ArcGIS map can be viewed on the City’s website at www.cityofeastlansing.com/smallcell.