Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless communication facilities (WCFs)—such as cell towers, antennas on existing buildings or structures, and newer “small cell” equipment—are an important part of the nationwide network that supports mobile phone service and wireless internet. Because these facilities can be visible from streets and neighborhoods and may sometimes be proposed in the public right-of-way (ROW), the City of Greeley has adopted local standards to guide where facilities can be located and how they are designed.

Federal law, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, limits how local governments may regulate wireless facilities, but it also preserves the City’s ability to regulate the placement, construction, and modification of facilities within those limits. In Greeley, wireless facilities are regulated through the Greeley Municipal Code and the City’s development review processes. The City Council adopted the City’s Wireless Communications Facilities regulations in 2018, Ordinance 32, 2018, and proposals are reviewed to help ensure installations are safe, compatible with surrounding areas, and appropriately designed—especially when located near homes, businesses, or within the public ROW.

The City of Greeley regulates the establishment or modification of all wireless communication facilities through its standard land use processes, with expedited processes where possible through the Community Development Department, Planning Division.

As part of review, applicants may need to meet requirements related to location, setbacks, screening and visual impacts, equipment placement, and compliance with applicable building and right-of-way permits. Facilities in the ROW are also subject to additional right-of-way management and safety considerations to protect travel lanes, sidewalks, utilities, and emergency access.

Please review the application checklists for submittal requirements. Additional resources and contact information have been provided to assist you in assembling a complete application. Per federal, state, and local law, a complete application must be submitted before City staff members are able to review and comment.

Project and permit applications can be submitted via eTRAKit, our Community Development Web Portal.