Wireless Telecommunication Facilites

Due to a variety of state and federal regulations requiring the City to process different types of wireless facilities in certain ways and timeframes, this webpage was created to assist applicants in finding and filing the correct application for the scope of your wireless telecommunication facility project. Please read the information related to the various types of applications and ensure you are completing the correct one. Form 230 summarizes all wireless facility application types and includes a list of required submittal materials for each application type. If you have any questions related to wireless facility applications, please contact the Planning Division at (949) 362-4300 or email Planning@cityoflagunaniguel.org. All wireless applications must be submitted in person at the Building and Planning Counter during counter hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm).

Eligible Facilities Request (EFR)

This refers to all deployments or facility modifications meeting the criteria in Section 6409 of the Middle Income Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (“Spectrum Act”). The City processes an Eligible Facilities Request (EFR) that qualifies for streamlining under the Spectrum Act through a modified Changed Plan process. To apply for an EFR, please complete Form 231 – Wireless Modification Screening Form – and submit with other required application materials to the Planning Counter. Please note that not all modifications meet the criteria for this process. For modifications that do not meet the applicable criteria, an application for a standard Changed Plan or Amendment to the originally approved Conditional Use Permit and/or Site Development Permit is likely necessary (see below).

Modification(s) to Existing Facilities (do not qualify as EFR)

This refers to all modifications to existing facilities not meeting the criteria as an EFR, described above. Depending on the scope of the modification, a Changed Plan or Amendment to the original Conditional Use Permit and/or Site Development Permit is required. Please contact the Planning Division to assist in determining the correct process. In addition to completing the standard application form for discretionary permits (Form 201), please see Form 230 – Application Instructions for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities for additional required submittal materials.

Emergency Generator Addition

This refers to the addition of a standby emergency generator to an existing wireless tower pursuant to the provisions of California Assembly Bill (AB) 2421. The City processes generator additions that meet the criteria under AB 2421 through an application for a building permit. To apply for an emergency generator addition to an existing wireless tower pursuant to AB 2421, please complete Form 232 – Wireless Emergency Generator Screening Form – and submit it with your building permit application and materials at the Building Counter. Please note that not all generator additions at all wireless facilities qualify for streamlining under AB2421. For generator additions not qualifying, please submit an application for a Changed Plan or Amendment to the originally approved Conditional Use Permit and/or Site Development Permit is likely (see below).

Small Cells in Right-of-Way

The City processes requests for small cells in the right-of-way (ROW) through a Communication Facility Permit, pursuant to Article 8 of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code and the City’s ROW Communication Facilities Policy Guidebook. To apply for a small cell in the ROW, please complete Form 233 – Communication Facility Permit Application – and submit it with the other required application materials to the Planning Counter.

New Telecommunications Facilities (not small cells)

The City processes requests for new wireless facilities which are not small cells through an application for a Conditional Use Permit. Facilities that involve changes to the site plan or building design also require a Site Development Permit.  In addition to completing the standard application form for discretionary permits (Form 201), please see Form 230 – Application Instructions for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities for additional required submittal materials.