Local governments retain zoning authority over wireless facilities, subject to federal limits that are specific and enforced.
Substantive limits. A locality may not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services, may not prohibit or effectively prohibit the provision of personal wireless services, and may not deny an application based on the environmental effects of radiofrequency emissions where the facility complies with federal limits.
Written decision and record. A denial must be in writing and supported by substantial evidence in a written record. Generalised aesthetic objections and resident opposition without evidence do not satisfy this.
Shot clocks. Federal rules set periods within which a locality must act on applications, differentiated by facility type, with a failure to act treated as a presumptive violation and, for certain modifications, a deemed grant.
Eligible facilities requests. Modifications to existing structures that do not substantially change the physical dimensions must be approved, with substantial change defined dimensionally.
Small wireless facilities in the rights-of-way are subject to further constraints on fees, timelines and aesthetic requirements, with many states adding their own statutes.
Practical drafting. An ordinance with objective design standards published in advance, a complete-application checklist, and a decision template that produces a written record with evidentiary citations.