HB 25-1056
Fiscal Note
Legislative Council Staff
Nonpartisan Services for Colorado’s Legislature
HB 25-1056: LOCAL GOV PERMITTING WIRELESS TELECOM FACILITIES
Prime Sponsors:
Rep. Lukens; Bacon
Sen. Roberts; Hinrichsen
Published for: House Trans., Hous. & Local Gov.
Drafting number: LLS 25-0249
Fiscal Analyst:
Colin Gaiser, 303-866-2677
colin.gaiser@coleg.gov
Version: Initial Fiscal Note
Date: January 31, 2025
Fiscal note status: The fiscal note reflects the introduced bill, which was recommended by the Cell Phone
Connectivity Interim Study Committee.
Summary Information
Overview. The bill makes changes to procedures for local government approval of applications for siting
or construction of wireless communications facilities.
Types of impacts. The bill is projected to affect the following areas:
Minimal State Workload Local Government
Appropriations. No appropriation is required.
Table 1
State Fiscal Impacts
Type of Impact
1
Budget Year
FY 2024-25
Out Year
FY 2025-26
State Revenue $0 $0
State Expenditures $0 $0
Transferred Funds $0 $0
Change in TABOR Refunds $0 $0
Change in State FTE 0.0 FTE 0.0 FTE Page 2
January 31, 2025 HB 25-1056
Summary of Legislation
Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill adjusts procedures for local government approval of
telecommunications provider applications for siting, constructing, or substantially modifying
wireless communications facilities. Specifically, an application is deemed approved by a local
government if:
the local government has not approved or rejected the application within 60 days after the
application is submitted to the local government, or within 60 days after a pre-application
meeting or other documented communication between the local government and provider
is conducted, whichever is earlier;
the provider has fulfilled all public notice requirements for the application; and
the provider notifies the local government that the 60-day time period has elapsed.
The bill allows a local government to extend the 60-day time period in order to make timely
requests for information to complete an application. Additionally, the provider and local
government may mutually agree to extend this deadline. If a local government requires a
provider to obtain a traffic control plan or other safety-related permit, the provider cannot begin
its project until it obtains the plan or permit.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits a local government from requiring a provider to file a new
application or secure additional permits when telecommunications equipment is being removed,
discontinued, or replaced, as long as:
the provider notifies the local government of the removal, discontinuance, or replacement of
the equipment; and,
modifying the equipment does not substantially change the facility.
State Expenditures
Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill minimally increases workload in the Judicial Department for
trial courts if any local governments seek judicial review of applications. This fiscal note assumes
few cases will be brought to trial courts and any increase in workload will be absorbable within
existing resources.
Page 3
January 31, 2025 HB 25-1056
Local Government
Local governments currently have 150 days to process applications for a new wireless facility.
The bill significantly decreases the application period to 60 days, which can cause counties and
municipalities to devote more resources and time to review applications in a timely manner.
However, the bill also eliminates the application for new small cell facilities, currently a 90-day
period, which could allow local governments to redirect staff resources. Impacts will vary by
jurisdiction, depending on local processes, number of permit applications, and other factors.
Effective Date
The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, assuming no referendum petition is filed. It applies to
applications filed on or after this date.
State and Local Government Contacts
Counties
Judicial
Local Affairs
Municipalities
The revenue and expenditure impacts in this fiscal note represent changes from current law under the bill for each
fiscal year. For additional information about fiscal notes, please visit the General Assembly website.