Wireless Ordinance Update

The City of Campbell is updating its Wireless Ordinance (Chapter 21.42 of the Campbell Municipal Code) in response to changes to federal law since its enactment. 

This update responds primarily to the Federal Communications Commission’s 2018 “Small Cell Order” (FCC 18-133), which significantly restricts local governments’ authority over the siting and regulation of wireless facilities.

Interim Ordinance Adopted

To preserve the City’s regulatory oversight while remaining compliant with federal mandates, the City Council adopted an Interim Ordinance on July 1, 2025 which implements the following key changes:

✅ New Wireless Permit Types

The Interim Ordinance creates three specialized permit categories to streamline processing and reflect legal distinctions:

• Tier 2 – For new freestanding facilities (e.g., towers or faux trees); reviewed by Planning Commission.

• Tier 1 – For new or modified non-freestanding facilities (e.g., rooftop antennas); reviewed administratively.

• Ministerial – For federally protected “eligible facility requests” which allow for subsequent modifications to existing wireless facilities. 

✅ Tailored Findings for Decision-Making

New required findings strengthen transparency and legal defensibility of decisions while ensuring compliance with federal rules, including:

• Consistency with City standards and the General Plan

• Use of the least intrusive feasible design

• Confirmation that the decision is consistent with federal law

✅ Updated Site Preferences

To protect neighborhood character and reduce visual impacts, the Interim Ordinance:

• Directs new wireless facilities toward less sensitive areas (e.g., industrial or commercial zones)

• Requires greater justification for siting within 200 feet of low-density residential neighborhoods

• Establishes a preference for stealth or rooftop designs over new towers

✅ Clear Process for Exceptions

Applicants seeking relief from City standards must prove that compliance would materially inhibit wireless service and that no feasible alternatives exist. Any exception must be narrowly tailored.

Past Meetings

The following outlines scheduled and pending meetings associated with this update.

Upcoming Meetings

The following outlines scheduled and pending meetings associated with this update.

Anticipated Schedule

The permanent ordinance is currently under development and is expected to be adopted before the expiration of the interim ordinance next year. 

Provide Feedback

We want to hear from you! To provide feedback or ask questions about this update, please contact:

Stephen Rose

Senior Planner

stephenr@campbellca.gov