Introduction
The Commission is responsible for the review of antenna placement and their structures, including monopoles, towers, equipment buildings, and shelters, on federal land in the National Capital Region and on District of Columbia-owned land in Washington, DC. NCPC has approval authority on antennas located on federal land in Washington and District-owned land in the Central Area; elsewhere, the Commission has advisory authority. In general, the Commission’s review focuses on:
- Protecting the skyline, historic resources, and scenic character of the nation’s capital
- Preserving the general appearance of federal buildings
- Providing employees, visitors, and residents with a healthy and safe environment
The current antenna guidelines include a set of criteria staff uses to evaluate antenna submissions. These guidelines propose new criteria to protect preeminent viewsheds identified in the Urban Design Element of the Comprehensive Plan. As the need for more antenna infrastructure increases, the issue of cumulative impacts of multiple antennas is a growing concern. The proposed guidelines will require an overall rooftop strategy for buildings in high demand, following consultation with NCPC staff. The safety of antennas is the responsibility of the submitting agency as they are responsible for meeting the FCC guidelines.
Regarding the review process, temporary antennas will not be required to be reviewed by NCPC, however agencies will need to submit a temporary antenna notification form. Cell on wheels antennas that are temporary are not reviewed by NCPC. District government will review the small cell antennas when they are placed on public rights of way and NCPC will review them when they are placed on federal property.
Timeline
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Commission Meeting
An information presentation during a special online meeting.
Watch Video -
Commission Meeting
The Commission released the draft Antenna Submission Guidelines Update for public comment.
Watch Video -
Public Comment Period Opens
The comment period begins with the official notice published in the Federal Register.
Federal Register Notice -
Public Meeting
NCPC hosts an online meeting for the public to learn more about the update.
View Event -
Public Comment Period Closes
NCPC accepts public comments on through September 14, 2020.
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Commission Meeting
The Commission will vote to adopt the Antenna Submission Guidelines Update.