Wireless Communication Facilities

The purpose of wireless communication facilities (WCF’s) in the City and Borough Juneau (CBJ) is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public; to minimize the impacts of WCF’s by establishing standards; to encourage the collocation of antenna’s on existing structures; to maintain the natural surroundings and character of Juneau; to preserve neighborhood harmony and scenic viewsheds and corridors as indicated in the Comprehensive Plan; and, to accommodate the growing need and demand for wireless communication services. Additionally, to respond to policies embodied in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and in Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act.

Antenna Collocations

Does it need a building permit?
Sometimes – An antenna collocation requires a building permit if any sort of structural or electrical work is being performed. Please email [email protected], if you’re unsure. Submittal requirements may include:

  • Building Permit Application
  • Structural Plans – Stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Alaska
    and/or
  • Electrical Plans – Stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Alaska

Does it need a zoning permit?
Yes – A Wireless Communication Facility Permit is required. Below is a list of submittal requirements:

What are the associated fees?

  • $350.00 for the Wireless Communication Facility Application Fee
  • If a building permit is required, the fee is based on the value of the work performed. Please contact a Permit Technician at [email protected] for an estimate.

What is the general timeline for acceptance?
Once your application has been determined complete, our plan review timeline is 2 weeks.

New Towers

Does it need a building permit?
Yes – A building permit is required. Below is a list of submittal requirements:

  • Building Permit Application
  • Structural Plans – Stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Alaska
  • Electrical Plans – Stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Alaska

Does it need a zoning permit?
Yes – A Special Use Permit for a Wireless Communication Facility is required. Below is a list of submittal requirements:

What are the associated fees?

  • $350.00 for the Wireless Communication Facility Application Fee
  • The building permit is based on the value of the work performed. Please contact a Permit Technician for an estimate.

What is the general timeline and series of steps?

  1. You’ll first need to schedule a pre-application conference, please visit our Pre-Application Webpage for more details on this.
  2. Then, we’ll work with you to ensure your application is complete.
  3. Once a complete application has been determined, the Special Use Permit will be heard by the Planning Commission. Permits are usually scheduled on a Planning Commission Agenda 6 – 8 weeks out, in order to accommodate proper public noticing.
  4. The Planning Commission will typically issue a decision the day of the hearing, and the Notice of Decision will be ready that same week.
  5. Once the Notice of Decision has been issued, Zoning can sign off on your building permit, and it should be ready for issuance, so work may commence.

Drop and Swap

For the direct replacement of a wireless communication facility, of the same dimensions and location as the original facility, the follow items need to be submitted

If after a preliminary review of your submittal, Zoning determines this is doesn’t meet our definition of a direct replacement, they will advise you of additional information required, following our protocol for new towers.

You may find details on CBJ Wireless Communication Facility regulations in CBJ 49.65.900 – CBJ 49.65.1030

Photo Courtesy of Eric Feldt