The City of Harrisonburg regulates the use of wireless telecommunication facilities to provide minimal negative impact to the community while respecting both residential and commercial neighborhoods, while providing opportunities to supply wireless telecommunication services in the City.
Planning for a wireless telecommunication facility in the public right-of-way? All new facilities on public right-of-way require the approval of a public access permit by the Department of Public Works and do not require approval by the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development. Detail about that process is available on the Site Development webpage. Note that building and trade permits may be required.
Planning for a wireless telecommunication facility on a parcel or lot? The remainder of this webpage offers information on how to receive approval of wireless telecommunications facilities on parcels and lots. Approval is granted by the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development. Depending on the location and construction of the wireless telecommunication facility, a special use permit and/or building and trade permits may be required. For more information on whether additional permits are required, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 540-432-7700.
Regulations and Applications
Zoning Ordinance, Article CC, Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
Wireless Facility Application [245KB]
Special Use Permit Application and Process
Wireless Telecommunication Facility Application Fees
- Small cell facility: $100 per facility
- Wireless telecommunication facility with special use permit: no fee (note there is a fee to apply for a special use permit)
- Section 6409 eligible facility: no fee
Small Cell Facilities
Small cell facilities are the only wireless telecommunication facility permitted by right within all zoning districts. Small cell facilities are wireless telecommunication facilities that meet both of the following qualifications:
(i)Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet in volume, or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than six cubic feet and
(ii)All other wireless equipment associated with the facility has a cumulative volume of no more than 28 cubic feet, or such higher limit as is established by the Federal Communications Commission. The following types of associated equipment are not included in the calculation of equipment volume: electric meter, concealment, telecommunications demarcation boxes, back-up power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switches, cut-off switches, and vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services
Section 6409 Eligible Facilities
The Spectrum Act Section 6409 Wireless Facilities Deployment allows modifications to facilities in existence prior to the enactment of Article CC of the Zoning Ordinance. The modification shall not substantially change eligible facilities. This list of eligible facilities can be found on the Wireless Telecommunication Facility Application.
Facilities Requiring Approval of Special Use Permit
A special use permit may be required depending on the zoning district and type of facility desired to be constructed. Regulations regarding whether a facility requires a special use permit can be found within the Zoning Ordinance, Article CC, Wireless Telecommunication Facilities.
Special Use Permit Application and Process.