Berkley Group, in collaboration with Albemarle County and Cityscape Consultants, helped update the Albemarle County Wireless Service Facilities Ordinance. Since the 2004 adoption, only minor changes had been made until now. The project aimed to implement significant updates based on input from the Board of Supervisors, public comments, and state and federal regulations. The ordinance was shaped through a kickoff meeting, public survey, and written feedback, addressing areas with clear majority support despite mixed opinions on some topics.
Key changes include:
Updated terminology and alignment with state and federal rules.
Small cell facilities allowed by-right, with notification to the county.
Removal of tree height as a concealment requirement, allowing towers up to 30 feet above treetops.
Providers must now confirm compliance with FCC regulations.
Removal of limits on the number of arrays per tower and antenna size.
Increased allowable monopole projections and antenna sizes.
These updates modernize the ordinance to keep pace with wireless technology while maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors adopted the revised ordinance through a Zoning Text Amendment on September 5, 2024.
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