Alpharetta Expected to Join Milton in Opposing Cell Tower Legislation

Alpharetta is prepared to oppose legislation that would limit its zoning controls for cell towers and that prohibits any city from offering Internet broadband if any private carrier alrady offers the service.

The North Fulton city joins Milton in opposing House Bill 176, which limits the municipal zoning authority for cell towers. According to the resolution City Council will consider at tonight's meeting in City Hall at 7:30, the legislation would:

• Prevent a city from imposing height limitations on a new tower;
• Prevent a city from imposing requirements to ensure abandoned or unused wireless facilities are removed;
• Allow new cell towers to be automatically approved if the city does not approve or disapprove an application within a specified time frame;
• Prevent a city from determing what rent would be charged for siting a cell tower on publicly owned property;
• Prevent a city from imposing a condition that an applicant allow multiple carriers to locate on a single tower (co-location).