This afternoon the Senate Economic Development committee passed SB 1064, a bill that pre-empts local zoning when it comes to colocation of wireless communications equipment on an existing tower.

The bill was introduced yesterday afternoon and quickly passed through committee today, just over 24 hours after its introduction. The League testified in opposition on several grounds including concerns regarding local control, home rule and the decrease to property values. Andy Schor prepared the following memo for the committee members detailing our concerns based upon feedback from our membership: cell tower memo.pdf (731.91 kb)

In addition to the numerous land use concerns, the federal government has already acted on the issue of colocation by mandating local approval of co-locations as well as establishing a “shot clock order” to act on a colocation within 90 days.

The bill did pass the committee and now heads to the Senate floor. The sponsor indicated a willingness to work with the League; however, we still ask you to contact your legislators to express concerns regarding the bill as it passed committee.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy and technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected]