Connecticut Senate Bill SB00409

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Providing Municipal Authority Over The Siting Of Cellular Towers.

Impact

The proposed legislative change would impact how cellular towers are regulated at the local level, promoting a collaborative approach between local governing bodies and telecommunications providers. Currently, local planning and zoning commissions have a say in such matters; however, the bill stipulates that should a commission deny a request, the Connecticut Siting Council can override this decision with a supermajority vote. This creates a balance where local desires are considered while also allowing state-level oversight, potentially streamlining the approval process.

Summary

SB00409 is an act aimed at granting municipal authorities more control over the siting of cellular towers within their jurisdictions. This bill proposes an amendment to title 8 of the general statutes, specifically providing local planning and zoning commissions with the authority to approve or deny requests for the establishment of cellular towers. Such a provision emphasizes the local governance aspect, allowing municipalities to have a say in telecommunications infrastructure within their communities. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing local autonomy regarding developmental decisions.

Conclusion

In summary, SB00409 seeks to provide a framework for local planning authorities to exercise more agency over the placement of cellular towers, while also ensuring that there is a mechanism for state-level intervention if local decisions are deemed unreasonably restrictive. This dual approach hopes to facilitate smoother and more community-oriented development in the telecommunications sector.

Contention

Notably, the bill’s provisions reflect ongoing debates regarding local control versus state authority, particularly in how telecommunications development is approached. Proponents argue that local oversight allows for community-specific considerations in the siting of cellular towers, addressing concerns such as aesthetics and public safety. However, opponents may raise issues about the potential delays in telecommunication projects and the impact on service availability, suggesting that a more centralized approach could be beneficial for rapid infrastructure development.