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O:\PC PACKETS FOR THE WEB\2019 PC Packet\2.20.19\022019WCF PC Memo.docx Memorandum To: Planning Commission From: Erika Vandenbrande, Director, Planning and Community Development, [PHONE REDACTED] Steve Fischer, Manager, Development Review, [PHONE REDACTED] Sarah Pyle, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, [PHONE REDACTED] Scott Reynolds, Planner, [PHONE REDACTED] Kimberly Dietz, Senior Planner, [PHONE REDACTED] Cameron Zapata, Planner, [PHONE REDACTED] Date: February 20, 2019 Subject: Amendment to Redmond Zoning Code Regarding Wireless Communication Facilities PURPOSE On February 20, 2019, the Planning Commission will begin discussion on a series of Redmond Zoning Code (RZC) amendments regarding Wireless Communication Facilities. Staff will provide an overview of the Technical Committee’s recommendation and Commissioners will begin identifying and discussing issues concerning the recommended amendments. BACKGROUND Staff, with the City’s legal counsel for telecommunications, is proposing amendments to the Redmond Zoning Code (RZC) based on new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updates to 47 CFR Part 1, effective January 14, 2019 (Attachment The amendments include permit review timelines (“shot clocks”), minor aesthetic standards, and clarification of definitions. The FCC issued this new ruling regarding the deployment of Fourth Generation (4G) and Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication system infrastructure (Attachment 5G deployments - - small cell wireless facilities feature equipment that is smaller and more densely sited than 4G and macro wireless facilities and is primarily located in the right-of-way. The equipment includes an antenna, equipment box, and wiring or fiber. In April 2018, the City Council approved Ord. 2919 amending the RZC to create permanent regulations governing Wireless Communication Facilities. The FCC’s January 2019 ruling provides an addition and updates to the previously amended regulations. ---PAGE BREAK--- Planning Commission – Amendment to Redmond Zoning Code Regarding Wireless Communication Facilities February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 2 PREPARATION FOR FEBRUARY 20 STUDY SESSION Please review the enclosed Technical Committee Report and exhibits in advance of your February 20, 2019 meeting and identify questions and discussion issues. Commissioners are also requested to continue reviewing the information regarding wireless communication facilities and the FCC’s new ruling, provided by staff on February 11, 2019. Please contact Kimberly Dietz prior to the meeting if there are questions or concerns. REVIEW SCHEDULE Staff proposes the following schedule that allows the City Council to take action on the RZC amendments by April 14, 2019, within the period of compliance (47 CFR Part 1, I. Declaratory Ruling, para. 32). Schedule Proposed Planning Commission Review Process February 20 Review Technical Committee report and discussion of issues February 27 Public hearing, complete discussion of issues, recommendation March 13 Report approval ENCLOSURES Technical Committee Report with exhibits