Appendix B to Part 1 - Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Wireless Antennas
47:1.0.1.1.2.30.207.9.2 : Appendix B
Appendix B to Part 1 - Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the
Collocation of Wireless Antennas Second Amendment to NATIONWIDE
PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT For the COLLOCATION OF WIRELESS ANTENNAS
Executed by The FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, The NATIONAL
CONFERENCE OF STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICERS and The ADVISORY
COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (the Council) and the
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
(NCSHPO) executed this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic
Agreement on March 16, 2001 in accordance with 36 CFR Section
800.14(b) to address the Section 106 review process as it applies
to the collocation of antennas; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC encourages collocation of antennas where
technically and economically feasible, in order to reduce the need
for new tower construction; and in its Wireless Infrastructure
Report and Order, WT Docket No. 13-238, et al, released October 21,
2014, adopted initial measures to update and tailor the manner in
which it evaluates the impact of proposed deployments on the
environment and historic properties and committed to expeditiously
conclude a program alternative to implement additional improvements
in the Section 106 review process for small deployments that,
because of their characteristics, are likely to have minimal and
not adverse effects on historic properties; and,
WHEREAS, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
2012 (Title VI - Public Safety Communications and Electromagnetic
Spectrum Auctions, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
2012, Public Law 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)) was adopted with the
goal of advancing wireless broadband services, and the amended
provisions in this Agreement further that goal; and,
WHEREAS, advances in wireless technologies since 2001 have
produced systems that use smaller antennas and compact radio
equipment, including those used in Distributed Antenna Systems
(DAS) and small cell systems, which are a fraction of the size of
traditional cell tower deployments and can be installed on utility
poles, buildings, and other existing structures as collocations;
and,
WHEREAS, the parties to this Collocation Agreement have taken
into account new technologies involving use of small antennas that
may often be collocated on utility poles, buildings, and other
existing structures and increase the likelihood that such
collocations will have minimal and not adverse effects on historic
properties, and rapid deployment of such infrastructure may help
meet the surging demand for wireless services, expand broadband
access, support innovation and wireless opportunity, and enhance
public safety - all to the benefit of consumers and the communities
in which they live; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO have agreed that these
new measures should be incorporated into this Collocation Agreement
to better manage the Section 106 consultation process and
streamline reviews for collocation of antennas; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO have crafted these new
measures with the goal of promoting technological neutrality, with
the goal of obviating the need for further amendments in the future
as technologies evolve; and,
WHEREAS, notwithstanding the intent to draft provisions in a
manner that obviates the need for future amendments, in light of
the public benefits associated with rapid deployment of the
facilities required to provide broadband wireless services, the
FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO have agreed that changes in technology
and other factors relating to the placement and operation of
wireless antennas and associated equipment may necessitate further
amendments to this Collocation Agreement in the future; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO have agreed that with
respect to the amendments involving the use of small antennas, such
amendments affect only the FCC's review process under Section 106
of the NHPA, and will not limit State and local governments'
authority to enforce their own historic preservation requirements
consistent with Section 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act and
Section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act
of 2012; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO acknowledge that
federally recognized Indian tribes (Indian tribes), Native Hawaiian
Organizations (NHOs), SHPO/THPOs, local governments, and members of
the public make important contributions to the Section 106 review
process, in accordance with Section 800.2(c) & (d) of the Council's
rules, and note that the procedures for appropriate public
notification and participation in connection with the Section 106
process are set forth the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement
Regarding the Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Review
Process (NPA); and,
WHEREAS, the parties hereto agree that the amended procedures
described in this amendment to the Collocation Agreement are, with
regard to collocations as defined herein, a proper substitute for
the FCC's compliance with the Council's rules, in accordance and
consistent with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act and its implementing regulations found at 36 CFR part 800;
and,
WHEREAS, the FCC sought comment from Indian tribes and Native
Hawaiian Organizations regarding the terms of this amendment to the
Collocation Agreement by letters dated April 17, 2015, July 28,
2015, and May 12, 2016, as well as during face-to-face meetings and
conference calls, including during the Section 106 Summit in
conjunction with the 2015 annual conference of the National
Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO);
and,
WHEREAS, the terms of this amendment to the Collocation
Agreement do not apply on “tribal lands” as defined under Section
800.16(x) of the Council's regulations, 36 CFR 800.16(x) (“Tribal
lands means all lands within the exterior boundaries of any Indian
reservation and all dependent Indian communities.”); and,
WHEREAS, the terms of this amendment to the Collocation
Agreement do not preclude Indian tribes or NHOs from consulting
directly with the FCC or its licensees, tower companies and
applicants for antenna licenses when collocation activities off
tribal lands may affect historic properties of religious and
cultural significance to Indian tribes or NHOs; and,
WHEREAS, the execution and implementation of this amendment to
the Collocation Agreement will not preclude members of the public
from filing complaints with the FCC or the Council regarding
adverse effects on historic properties from any existing tower or
any activity covered under the terms of this Collocation
Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with Stipulation XI (as renumbered
by this amendment), the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO agree to amend
the Collocation Agreement to read as follows:
NATIONWIDE PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT For the COLLOCATION OF WIRELESS
ANTENNAS Executed by The FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, The
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICERS and The
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishes
rules and procedures for the licensing of wireless communications
facilities in the United States and its Possessions and
Territories; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC has largely deregulated the review of
applications for the construction of individual wireless
communications facilities and, under this framework, applicants are
required to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) in cases where
the applicant determines that the proposed facility falls within
one of certain environmental categories described in the FCC's
rules (47 CFR 1.1307), including situations which may affect
historical sites listed or eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places (“National Register”); and,
WHEREAS, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
(54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.) (“the Act”) requires federal
agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on
historic properties and to afford the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation (Council) a reasonable opportunity to comment;
and,
WHEREAS, Section 800.14(b) of the Council's regulations,
“Protection of Historic Properties” (36 CFR 800.14(b)), allows for
programmatic agreements to streamline and tailor the Section 106
review process to particular federal programs; and,
WHEREAS, in August 2000, the Council established a
Telecommunications Working Group to provide a forum for the FCC,
Industry representatives, State Historic Preservation Officers
(SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and the
Council to discuss improved coordination of Section 106 compliance
regarding wireless communications projects affecting historic
properties; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC, the Council and the Working Group have
developed this Collocation Programmatic Agreement in accordance
with 36 CFR 800.14(b) to address the Section 106 review process as
it applies to the collocation of antennas (collocation being
defined in Stipulation I.B below); and,
WHEREAS, the FCC encourages collocation of antennas where
technically and economically feasible, in order to reduce the need
for new tower construction; and,
WHEREAS, the parties hereto agree that the effects on historic
properties of collocations of antennas on towers, buildings and
structures are likely to be minimal and not adverse, and that in
the cases where an adverse effect might occur, the procedures
provided and referred to herein are proper and sufficient,
consistent with Section 106, to assure that the FCC will take such
effects into account; and,
WHEREAS, the execution of this Nationwide Collocation
Programmatic Agreement will streamline the Section 106 review of
collocation proposals and thereby reduce the need for the
construction of new towers, thereby reducing potential effects on
historic properties that would otherwise result from the
construction of those unnecessary new towers; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC and the Council have agreed that these measures
should be incorporated into a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement to
better manage the Section 106 consultation process and streamline
reviews for collocation of antennas; and,
WHEREAS, since collocations reduce both the need for new tower
construction and the potential for adverse effects on historic
properties, the parties hereto agree that the terms of this
Agreement should be interpreted and implemented wherever possible
in ways that encourage collocation; and,
WHEREAS, the parties hereto agree that the procedures described
in this Agreement are, with regard to collocations as defined
herein, a proper substitute for the FCC's compliance with the
Council's rules, in accordance and consistent with Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing
regulations found at 36 CFR part 800; and,
WHEREAS, the FCC has consulted with the National Conference of
State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) and requested the
President of NCSHPO to sign this Nationwide Collocation
Programmatic Agreement in accordance with 36 CFR 800.14(b)(2)(iii);
and,
WHEREAS, the FCC sought comment from Indian tribes and Native
Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) regarding the terms of this
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement by letters of January 11, 2001
and February 8, 2001; and,
WHEREAS, the terms of this Programmatic Agreement do not apply
on “tribal lands” as defined under Section 800.16(x) of the
Council's regulations, 36 CFR 800.16(x) (“Tribal lands means all
lands within the exterior boundaries of any Indian reservation and
all dependent Indian communities.”); and,
WHEREAS, the terms of this Programmatic Agreement do not
preclude Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations from
consulting directly with the FCC or its licensees, tower companies
and applicants for antenna licenses when collocation activities off
tribal lands may affect historic properties of religious and
cultural significance to Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian
organizations; and,
WHEREAS, the execution and implementation of this Nationwide
Collocation Programmatic Agreement will not preclude Indian tribes
or NHOs, SHPO/THPOs, local governments, or members of the public
from filing complaints with the FCC or the Council regarding
adverse effects on historic properties from any existing tower or
any activity covered under the terms of this Programmatic
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO agree that the
FCC will meet its Section 106 compliance responsibilities for the
collocation of antennas as follows.
STIPULATIONS
The FCC, in coordination with licensees, tower companies,
applicants for antenna licenses, and others deemed appropriate by
the FCC, will ensure that the following measures are carried
out.
I. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, the
following definitions apply.
A. “Antenna” means an apparatus designed for the purpose of
emitting radio frequency (“RF”) radiation, to be operated or
operating from a fixed location pursuant to FCC authorization, for
the transmission of writing, signs, signals, data, images,
pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including the transmitting
device and any on-site equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power
sources, shelters or cabinets associated with that antenna and
added to a Tower, structure, or building as part of the original
installation of the antenna. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term Antenna does not include unintentional radiators, mobile
stations, or devices authorized under Part 15 of the FCC's
rules.
B. “Collocation” means the mounting or installation of an
antenna on an existing tower, building or structure for the purpose
of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for
communications purposes, whether or not there is an existing
antenna on the structure.
C. “NPA” is the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement Regarding the
Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Review Process (47
CFR part 1, App. C).
D. “Tower” is any structure built for the sole or primary
purpose of supporting FCC-licensed antennas and their associated
facilities.
E. “Substantial increase in the size of the tower” means:
(1) The mounting of the proposed antenna on the tower would
increase the existing height of the tower by more than 10%, or by
the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the
nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty feet, whichever is
greater, except that the mounting of the proposed antenna may
exceed the size limits set forth in this paragraph if necessary to
avoid interference with existing antennas; or
(2) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve the
installation of more than the standard number of new equipment
cabinets for the technology involved, not to exceed four, or more
than one new equipment shelter; or
(3) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve adding an
appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the
edge of the tower more than twenty feet, or more than the width of
the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is
greater, except that the mounting of the proposed antenna may
exceed the size limits set forth in this paragraph if necessary to
shelter the antenna from inclement weather or to connect the
antenna to the tower via cable; or
(4) The mounting of the proposed antenna would expand the
boundaries of the current tower site by more than 30 feet in any
direction or involve excavation outside these expanded boundaries.
The current tower site is defined as the current boundaries of the
leased or owned property surrounding the tower and any access or
utility easements currently related to the site.
II. APPLICABILITY
A. This Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement applies
only to the collocation of antennas as defined in Stipulations I.A
and I.B, above.
B. This Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement does not
cover any Section 106 responsibilities that federal agencies other
than the FCC may have with regard to the collocation of
antennas.
III. COLLOCATION OF ANTENNAS ON TOWERS CONSTRUCTED ON OR BEFORE
MARCH 16, 2001
A. An antenna may be mounted on an existing tower constructed on
or before March 16, 2001 without such collocation being reviewed
through the Section 106 process set forth in the NPA, unless:
1. The mounting of the antenna will result in a substantial
increase in the size of the tower as defined in Stipulation I.E,
above; or,
2. The tower has been determined by the FCC to have an adverse
effect on one or more historic properties, where such effect has
not been avoided or mitigated through a conditional no adverse
effect determination, a Memorandum of Agreement, a programmatic
agreement, or a finding of compliance with Section 106 and the NPA;
or,
3. The tower is the subject of a pending environmental review or
related proceeding before the FCC involving compliance with Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; or,
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the tower has
received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in
receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, an Indian
Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse
effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must
be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how
the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that
qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential
eligibility for the National Register.
IV. COLLOCATION OF ANTENNAS ON TOWERS CONSTRUCTED AFTER MARCH 16,
2001
A. An antenna may be mounted on an existing tower constructed
after March 16, 2001 without such collocation being reviewed
through the Section 106 process set forth in the NPA, unless:
1. The Section 106 review process for the existing tower set
forth in 36 CFR part 800 (including any applicable program
alternative approved by the Council pursuant to 36 CFR 800.14) and
any associated environmental reviews required by the FCC have not
been completed; or,
2. The mounting of the new antenna will result in a substantial
increase in the size of the tower as defined in Stipulation I.E,
above; or,
3. The tower as built or proposed has been determined by the FCC
to have an adverse effect on one or more historic properties, where
such effect has not been avoided or mitigated through a conditional
no adverse effect determination, a Memorandum of Agreement, a
Programmatic Agreement, or otherwise in compliance with Section 106
and the NPA; or,
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the tower has
received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in
receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, an Indian
Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse
effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must
be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how
the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that
qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential
eligibility for the National Register.
V. COLLOCATION OF ANTENNAS ON BUILDINGS AND NON-TOWER STRUCTURES
A. An antenna may be mounted on a building or non-tower
structure without such collocation being reviewed through the
Section 106 process set forth in the NPA, unless:
1. The building or structure is over 45 years old, and the
collocation does not meet the criteria established in Stipulation
VI herein for collocations of small antennas; 1 or,
1 For purposes of this Agreement, suitable methods for
determining the age of a building or structure include, but are not
limited to: (1) Obtaining the opinion of a consultant who meets the
Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards for
Historian or for Architectural Historian (36 CFR part 61); or (2)
consulting public records.
2. The building or structure is inside the boundary of a
historic district, or if the antenna is visible from the ground
level of a historic district, the building or structure is within
250 feet of the boundary of the historic district, and the
collocation does not meet the criteria established in Stipulation
VII herein for collocations of small or minimally visible antennas;
or,
3. The building or non-tower structure is a designated National
Historic Landmark, or listed in or eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places based upon the review of the
FCC, licensee, tower company or applicant for an antenna license,
and the collocation does not meet the criteria established in
Stipulation VII herein for collocations of small or minimally
visible antennas; or,
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the building or
non-tower structure has received written or electronic notification
that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the
public, an Indian Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the
collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic
properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by
substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation
is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic
property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National
Register.
B. An antenna (including associated equipment included in the
definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.) may be mounted in the
interior of a building, regardless of the building's age or
location in a historic district and regardless of the antenna's
size, without such collocation being reviewed through the Section
106 process set forth in the NPA, unless:
(1) The building is a designated National Historic Landmark, or
listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places; or,
(2) The collocation licensee or the owner of the building has
received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in
receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, an Indian
Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse
effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must
be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how
the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that
qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential
eligibility for the National Register.
C. Subsequent to the collocation of an antenna, should the
SHPO/THPO or Council determine that the collocation of the antenna
or its associated equipment installed under the terms of
Stipulation V has resulted in an adverse effect on historic
properties, the SHPO/THPO or Council may notify the FCC
accordingly. The FCC shall comply with the requirements of Section
106 and the NPA for this particular collocation.
VI. ADDITIONAL EXCLUSION FOR COLLOCATION OF SMALL WIRELESS ANTENNAS
AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT ON BUILDINGS AND NON-TOWER STRUCTURES THAT
ARE OUTSIDE OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND ARE NOT HISTORIC PROPERTIES
A. A small wireless antenna (including associated equipment
included in the definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.) may be
mounted on an existing building or non-tower structure or in the
interior of a building regardless of the building's or structure's
age without such collocation being reviewed through the Section 106
process set forth in the NPA unless:
1. The building or structure is inside the boundary of a
historic district, or if the antenna is visible from the ground
level of a historic district, the building or structure is within
250 feet of the boundary of the historic district, and the
collocation does not meet the criteria established in Stipulation
VII herein for collocations of small or minimally visible antennas;
or,
2. The building or non-tower structure is a designated National
Historic Landmark; or,
3. The building or non-tower structure is listed in or eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and the
collocation does not meet the criteria established in Stipulation
VII herein for collocations of small or minimally visible antennas;
or,
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the building or
non-tower structure has received written or electronic notification
that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the
public, an Indian Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the
collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic
properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by
substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation
is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic
property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National
Register; or,
5. The antennas and associated equipment exceed the volume
limits specified below:
a. Each individual antenna, excluding the associated equipment
(as defined in the definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.), that
is part of the collocation must fit within an enclosure (or if the
antenna is exposed, within an imaginary enclosure, i.e., one
that would be the correct size to contain the equipment) that is
individually no more than three cubic feet in volume, and all
antennas on the structure, including any pre-existing antennas on
the structure, must in aggregate fit within enclosures (or if the
antennas are exposed, within imaginary enclosures, i.e.,
ones that would be the correct size to contain the equipment) that
total no more than six cubic feet in volume; and,
b. All other wireless equipment associated with the structure,
including pre-existing enclosures and including equipment on the
ground associated with antennas on the structure, but excluding
cable runs for the connection of power and other services, may not
cumulatively exceed:
i. 28 cubic feet for collocations on all non-pole structures
(including but not limited to buildings and water tanks) that can
support fewer than 3 providers; or,
ii. 21 cubic feet for collocations on all pole structures
(including but not limited to light poles, traffic signal poles,
and utility poles) that can support fewer than 3 providers; or,
iii. 35 cubic feet for non-pole collocations that can support at
least 3 providers; or,
iv. 28 cubic feet for pole collocations that can support at
least 3 providers; or,
6. The depth and width of any proposed ground disturbance
associated with the collocation exceeds the depth and width of any
previous ground disturbance (including footings and other anchoring
mechanisms). Up to four lightning grounding rods of no more than
three-quarters of an inch in diameter may be installed per project
regardless of the extent of previous ground disturbance.
B. The volume of any deployed equipment that is not visible from
public spaces at the ground level from 250 feet or less may be
omitted from the calculation of volumetric limits cited in this
Section.
C. Subsequent to the collocation of an antenna, should the
SHPO/THPO or Council determine that the collocation of the antenna
or its associated equipment installed under the terms of
Stipulation VI has resulted in an adverse effect on historic
properties, the SHPO/THPO or Council may notify the FCC
accordingly. The FCC shall comply with the requirements of Section
106 and the NPA for this particular collocation.
VII. ADDITIONAL EXCLUSIONS FOR COLLOCATION OF SMALL OR MINIMALLY
VISIBLE WIRELESS ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT IN HISTORIC
DISTRICTS OR ON HISTORIC PROPERTIES
A. A small antenna (including associated equipment included in
the definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.) may be mounted on a
building or non-tower structure or in the interior of a building
that is (1) a historic property (including a property listed in or
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places)
or (2) inside or within 250 feet of the boundary of a historic
district without being reviewed through the Section 106 process set
forth in the NPA, provided that:
1. The property on which the equipment will be deployed is not a
designated National Historic Landmark.
2. The antenna or antenna enclosure (including any existing
antenna), excluding associated equipment, is the only equipment
that is visible from the ground level, or from public spaces within
the building (if the antenna is mounted in the interior of a
building), and provided that the following conditions are met:
a. No other antennas on the building or non-tower structure are
visible from the ground level, or from public spaces within the
building (for an antenna mounted in the interior of a
building);
b. The antenna that is part of the collocation fits within an
enclosure (or if the antenna is exposed, within an imaginary
enclosure i.e., one that would be the correct size to
contain the equipment) that is no more than three cubic feet in
volume; and,
c. The antenna is installed using stealth techniques that match
or complement the structure on which or within which it is
deployed;
3. The antenna's associated equipment is not visible from:
a. The ground level anywhere in a historic district (if the
antenna is located inside or within 250 feet of the boundary of a
historic district); or,
b. Immediately adjacent streets or public spaces at ground level
(if the antenna is on a historic property that is not in a historic
district); or,
c. Public spaces within the building (if the antenna is mounted
in the interior of a building).
4. The facilities (including antenna(s) and associated equipment
identified in the definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.) are
installed in a way that does not damage historic materials and
permits removal of such facilities without damaging historic
materials;
5. The depth and width of any proposed ground disturbance
associated with the collocation does not exceed the depth and width
of any previous ground disturbance (including footings and other
anchoring mechanisms). Up to four lightning grounding rods of no
more than three-quarters of an inch in diameter may be installed
per project, regardless of the extent of previous ground
disturbance; and
6. The collocation licensee or the owner of the building or
non-tower structure has not received written or electronic
notification that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a
member of the public, an Indian Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that
the collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic
properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by
substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation
is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic
property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National
Register.
B. A small antenna (including associated equipment included in
the definition of Antenna in Stipulation I.A.) may be mounted on a
utility pole or electric transmission tower (but not including
light poles, lamp posts, and other structures whose primary purpose
is to provide public lighting) that is in active use by a utility
company (as defined in Section 224 of the Communications Act) or by
a cooperatively-owned, municipal, or other governmental agency and
is either: (1) A historic property (including a property listed in
or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places); (2) located on a historic property (including a property
listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places); or (3) located inside or within 250 feet of the
boundary of a historic district, without being reviewed through the
Section 106 process set forth in the NPA, provided that:
1. The utility pole or electric transmission tower on which the
equipment will be deployed is not located on a designated National
Historic Landmark;
2. The antenna, excluding the associated equipment, fits within
an enclosure (or if the antenna is exposed, within an imaginary
enclosure, i.e., one that would be the correct size to
contain the equipment) that is no more than three cubic feet in
volume, with a cumulative limit of 6 cubic feet if there is more
than one antenna/antenna enclosure on the structure;
3. The wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any
pre-existing antennas and associated equipment on the structure,
but excluding cable runs for the connection of power and other
services, are cumulatively no more than 21 cubic feet in
volume;
4. The depth and width of any proposed ground disturbance
associated with the collocation does not exceed the depth and width
of any previous ground disturbance (including footings and other
anchoring mechanisms). Up to four lightning grounding rods of no
more than three-quarters of an inch in diameter may be installed
per project, regardless of the extent of previous ground
disturbance; and
5. The collocation licensee or the owner of the utility pole or
electric transmission tower has not received written or electronic
notification that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a
member of the public, an Indian Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that
the collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic
properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by
substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation
is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic
property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National
Register.
C. Proposals to mount a small antenna on a traffic control
structure (i.e., traffic light) or on a light pole, lamp
post or other structure whose primary purpose is to provide public
lighting, where the structure is located inside or within 250 feet
of the boundary of a historic district, are generally subject to
review through the Section 106 process set forth in the NPA. These
proposed collocations will be excluded from such review on a
case-by-case basis, if (1) the collocation licensee or the owner of
the structure has not received written or electronic notification
that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the
public, an Indian Tribe, a SHPO or the Council, that the
collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic
properties; and (2) the structure is not historic (not a designated
National Historic Landmark or a property listed in or eligible for
listing in the National Register of Historic Places) or considered
a contributing or compatible element within the historic district,
under the following procedures:
1. The applicant must request in writing that the SHPO concur
with the applicant's determination that the structure is not a
contributing or compatible element within the historic
district.
2. The applicant's written request must specify the traffic
control structure, light pole, or lamp post on which the applicant
proposes to collocate and explain why the structure is not a
contributing element based on the age and type of structure, as
well as other relevant factors.
3. The SHPO has thirty days from its receipt of such written
notice to inform the applicant whether it disagrees with the
applicant's determination that the structure is not a contributing
or compatible element within the historic district.
4. If within the thirty-day period, the SHPO informs the
applicant that the structure is a contributing element or
compatible element within the historic district or that the
applicant has not provided sufficient information for a
determination, the applicant may not deploy its facilities on that
structure without completing the Section 106 review process.
5. If, within the thirty day period, the SHPO either informs the
applicant that the structure is not a contributing or compatible
element within the historic district, or the SHPO fails to respond
to the applicant within the thirty-day period, the applicant has no
further Section 106 review obligations, provided that the
collocation meets the following requirements:
a. The antenna, excluding the associated equipment, fits within
an enclosure (or if the antenna is exposed, within an imaginary
enclosure, i.e., one that would be the correct size to
contain the equipment) that is no more than three cubic feet in
volume, with a cumulative limit of 6 cubic feet if there is more
than one antenna/antenna enclosure on the structure;
b. The wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any
pre-existing antennas and associated equipment on the structure,
but excluding cable runs for the connection of power and other
services, are cumulatively no more than 21 cubic feet in volume;
and,
c. The depth and width of any proposed ground disturbance
associated with the collocation does not exceed the depth and width
of any previous ground disturbance (including footings and other
anchoring mechanisms). Up to four lightning grounding rods of no
more than three-quarters of an inch in diameter may be installed
per project, regardless of the extent of previous ground
disturbance.
D. A small antenna mounted inside a building or non-tower
structure and subject to the provisions of this Stipulation VII is
to be installed in a way that does not damage historic materials
and permits removal of such facilities without damaging historic
materials.
E. Subsequent to the collocation of an antenna, should the
SHPO/THPO or Council determine that the collocation of the antenna
or its associated equipment installed under the terms of
Stipulation VII has resulted in an adverse effect on historic
properties, the SHPO/THPO or Council may notify the FCC
accordingly. The FCC shall comply with the requirements of Section
106 and the NPA for this particular collocation.
VIII. REPLACEMENTS OF SMALL WIRELESS ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED
EQUIPMENT
A. An existing small antenna that is mounted on a building or
non-tower structure or in the interior of a building that is (1) a
historic property (including a designated National Historic
Landmark or a property listed in or eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places); (2) inside or within 250
feet of the boundary of a historic district; or (3) located on or
inside a building or non-tower structure that is over 45 years of
age, regardless of visibility, may be replaced without being
reviewed through the Section 106 process set forth in the NPA,
provided that:
1. The antenna deployment being replaced has undergone Section
106 review, unless either (a) such review was not required at the
time that the antenna being replaced was installed, or (b) for
deployments on towers, review is not required pursuant to
Stipulation III above.
2. The facility is a replacement for an existing facility, and
it does not exceed the greater of:
a. The size of the existing antenna/antenna enclosure and
associated equipment that is being replaced; or,
b. The following limits for the antenna and its associated
equipment:
i. The antenna, excluding the associated equipment, fits within
an enclosure (or if the antenna is exposed, within an imaginary
enclosure, i.e., one that would be the correct size to
contain the equipment) that is no more than three cubic feet in
volume, with a cumulative limit of 6 cubic feet if there is more
than one antenna/antenna enclosure on the structure; and,
ii. The wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any
pre-existing antennas and associated equipment on the structure,
but excluding cable runs for the connection of power and other
services, are cumulatively no more than 21 cubic feet in volume;
and,
3. The replacement of the facilities (including antenna(s) and
associated equipment as defined in Stipulation I.A.) does not
damage historic materials and permits removal of such facilities
without damaging historic materials; and,
4. The depth and width of any proposed ground disturbance
associated with the collocation does not exceed the depth and width
of any previous ground disturbance (including footings and other
anchoring mechanisms). Up to four lightning grounding rods of no
more than three-quarters of an inch in diameter may be installed
per project, regardless of the extent of previous ground
disturbance.
B. A small antenna mounted inside a building or non-tower
structure and subject to the provisions of this Stipulation VIII is
to be installed in a way that does not damage historic materials
and permits removal of such facilities without damaging historic
materials.
IX. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
Neither execution of this Agreement, nor implementation of or
compliance with any term herein shall operate in any way as a
waiver by any party hereto, or by any person or entity complying
herewith or affected hereby, of a right to assert in any court of
law any claim, argument or defense regarding the validity or
interpretation of any provision of the National Historic
Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.) or its
implementing regulations contained in 36 CFR part 800.
X. MONITORING
A. FCC licensees shall retain records of the placement of all
licensed antennas, including collocations subject to this
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, consistent with FCC rules and
procedures.
B. The Council will forward to the FCC and the relevant SHPO any
written objections it receives from members of the public regarding
a collocation activity or general compliance with the provisions of
this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement within thirty (30) days
following receipt of the written objection. The FCC will forward a
copy of the written objection to the appropriate licensee or tower
owner.
C. Any member of the public may notify the FCC of concerns it
has regarding the application of this Programmatic Agreement within
a State or with regard to the review of individual undertakings
covered or excluded under the terms of this Agreement. Comments
shall be directed to the FCC's Federal Preservation Officer. The
FCC will consider public comments and, following consultation with
the SHPO, potentially affected Tribes, or the Council, as
appropriate, take appropriate actions. The FCC shall notify the
objector of the outcome of its actions.
XI. AMENDMENTS
If any signatory to this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic
Agreement believes that this Agreement should be amended, that
signatory may at any time propose amendments, whereupon the
signatories will consult to consider the amendments. This agreement
may be amended only upon the written concurrence of the
signatories.
XII. TERMINATION
A. If the FCC determines, or if NCSHPO determines on behalf of
its members, that it or they cannot implement the terms of this
Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement, or if the FCC,
NCSHPO or the Council determines that the Programmatic Agreement is
not being properly implemented or that the spirit of Section 106 is
not being met by the parties to this Programmatic Agreement, the
FCC, NCSHPO or the Council may propose to the other signatories
that the Programmatic Agreement be terminated.
B. The party proposing to terminate the Programmatic Agreement
shall notify the other signatories in writing, explaining the
reasons for the proposed termination and the particulars of the
asserted improper implementation. Such party also shall afford the
other signatories a reasonable period of time of no less than
thirty (30) days to consult and remedy the problems resulting in
improper implementation. Upon receipt of such notice, the parties
shall consult with each other and notify and consult with other
entities that either are involved in such implementation or would
be substantially affected by termination of this Agreement, and
seek alternatives to termination. Should the consultation fail to
produce within the original remedy period or any extension a
reasonable alternative to termination, a resolution of the stated
problems, or convincing evidence of substantial implementation of
this Agreement in accordance with its terms, this Programmatic
Agreement shall be terminated thirty days after notice of
termination is served on all parties and published in the Federal
Register.
C. In the event that the Programmatic Agreement is terminated,
the FCC shall advise its licensees and tower owner and management
companies of the termination and of the need to comply with any
applicable Section 106 requirements on a case-by-case basis for
collocation activities.
XIII. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SIGNATORIES
The signatories to this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic
Agreement will meet annually on or about the anniversary of the
effective date of the NPA to discuss the effectiveness of this
Agreement and the NPA, including any issues related to improper
implementation, and to discuss any potential amendments that would
improve the effectiveness of this Agreement.
XIV. DURATION OF THE PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT
This Programmatic Agreement for collocation shall remain in
force unless the Programmatic Agreement is terminated or superseded
by a comprehensive Programmatic Agreement for wireless
communications antennas.
Execution of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement by the FCC,
NCSHPO and the Council, and implementation of its terms,
constitutes evidence that the FCC has afforded the Council an
opportunity to comment on the collocation as described herein of
antennas covered under the FCC's rules, and that the FCC has taken
into account the effects of these collocations on historic
properties in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and its implementing regulations, 36 CFR part
800.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Date: NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICERS Date: ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
HISTORIC PRESERVATION Date: [85 FR 51358, Aug. 20, 2020]