Wireless Communication Facilities - Type I (PSR)

Web page revised 1.1.26

What types of projects are subject to a Type I Review Process?

Collocation of most wireless communication facilities are subject to Type I review requirements. Collocation typically involves adding an additional antenna array by a different carrier on an existing support tower or other structure, but it can also include the initial installation of wireless communication equipment on an existing support structure such as a water tower or building.

In order to qualify for Type I review, the project must be exempt from State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, which in most cases means that the collocation can’t increase the overall height or width of the facility by more than 20 feet. If the project is not SEPA-exempt, a Type II review is required.

Type I Site Plan reviews are “ministerial”, requiring a review and decision by staff.

What types of projects are exempt from land use review under the county’s wireless communication facilities standards?

Per Clark County Code (CCC) 40.260.250(B)(2)(f), maintenance, repair, replacement or upgrades of previously approved facilities are exempt from land use review. Exempt activities include adding additional equipment by the same carrier to an existing array, adding ground equipment within an approved compound site by the same carrier, and replacement of, or improvements to an entire tower or other support structure. The project cannot increase the overall height or width of the facility by more than 20 feet.

Note: Significant alterations of a support structure (other than a tower) may be subject to site plan review per CCC 40.520.040, even if exempt from review under 40.260.250(B)(2)(f).

Upgrades that are exempt from land use review still require Building Safety review to ensure that the tower or structure will meet building codes. This review is required even if a building permit is not required. Such reviews may require an engineered structural analysis of the tower or support structure to ensure it is capable of handling any additional weight or surface area.

Is a Pre-Application Conference required?

No, however an applicant may request a pre-application conference.

How do I start the application process?

All land use reviews are completed online.

Follow the Land Use Application Submittal Process and these instructions on how to apply online.

Contact planningapps@clark.wa.gov with questions on how to apply.

Will I ever get to meet with the staff members who review my project?

Yes. When you submit your application, you can request a date and time for a Type I Review Conference. At this conference you will get to personally meet with your Planner and, depending upon the scope of your project, you may also meet with a Public Works engineer, a Deputy Fire Marshal, or a Building Plans Examiner.
As the applicant this conference affords you the opportunity to present your proposal and plans to the staff. For staff, the conference offers an opportunity to ask questions, give guidance, and to ensure the applicant clearly understands the process and regulations, as they will be affecting them.

By the end of the conference, you as the applicant will know whether your project will be approved, approved with conditions, denied, OR, what additional information the staff will need before they can make a decision. Your project will be placed on hold if additional information is required.

What is the Type I Site Plan process?

See Type I Process - Clark County Code 40.510.010

How long is my approval valid?

A preliminary site plan approval shall be valid for a period of 7 years after approval. During that time, a complete application for a final site plan review (usually not needed with Type I reviews) OR building permit must be submitted.

After the Preliminary Site Plan is approved, what is next?

Most collocation applications do not require further site plan review or construction plan approval. After receiving approval of the preliminary site plan, the applicant may submit building permits for review. If no building permit is required, the applicant may begin work 14 days after the Type I land use decision is issued.

Note: Conditions of Approval must be met before you begin your project.

When can I apply for a building permit?

Site plan approval is required prior to the issuance of building permits by Building Safety. However, application for building permits may be made at the same time as application for site plan review.

Note: Should the site plan review process require modification to the site plan, you must revise and re-submit your building plans to reflect those changes. Failure to make the appropriate changes may delay your building inspections or it may result in Code Enforcement actions for the failure to comply with the site plan review conditions. Building permit applications are filed in the Permit Center.

See the Engineering Construction Plan Review information for further information about the final engineering plan and final site plan review process in those cases when further reviews are needed.

Submittal Requirements

The following list identifies information to be included with the application. The Pre-Application Conference Report will indicate any additional/exempted submittal requirements.

At the time of application, only one copy of the main submittal with original signatures. One copy of any special studies, such as wetland, floodplain, etc., shall also be submitted.

Once the original application contains all the required information, the applicant will be contacted to submit additional copies of the main submittal and any special studies with revisions.

Cover sheet and table of contents - the submittal packet shall contain a cover sheet that contains the project name and applicant’s name, address, email address, and phone number. A table of contents to provide assistance in locating the various requirements shall follow the cover sheet.
Application form - The application form shall be completed and original signed in ink by the applicant.
Application fee - The required fee shall be paid online.
Narrative - A written narrative shall be submitted that addresses the following:
- Collocations:
  - How the application meets or exceeds each of the applicable approval criteria and standards
  - How the proposed plan meets the minimum area and dimensions of the base zone
  - How the issues identified in the pre-application conference have been addressed, and generally, how services will be provided to the site
  - A comprehensive description of the existing or proposed facility including the technical reasons for the design and configuration of the facility, design and dimensional information, and anticipated coverage of the facility
  - If camouflage technology is proposed, the applicant shall provide a complete description of the suggested camouflage, including style and materials to be used, a photographic depiction of the proposed facility, and a maintenance plan detailing provisions for the continued effectiveness of the suggested camouflage for the life of the facility
  - The frequency of vehicle trips the proposal could be expected to generate
Authorization to use site and support structure - Documentation that establishes the applicant’s right to use the site shall be provided at the time of application by a copy of the proposed lease agreement, easement agreement, license agreement or letter of authorization to use the facility from the owner of the support structure.
Proposed site plan - The proposed plan shall be drawn to a minimum engineer’s scale of 1” = 200’. The following information shall be clearly depicted on the proposed site plan:
- General information
  - Applicant’s name, mailing address and phone number
  - Owner’s name and mailing address
  - Contact person’s name, mailing address, and phone number
  - North arrow oriented to the top, left or right of page, scale, and date
  - Proposed name of project
  - Vicinity map covering ¼ mile radius from the development site (not required for rural area plans)
  - Area of the site in acres or square feet
- Existing conditions
  - Show the entire parcel, drawn to scale, with property lines, north arrow (orientated to the top, left or right), footprint of existing structures and driveways, parking spaces, abutting streets (name, centerline, curb and sidewalk), and existing fire hydrants
  - Elevation plans showing the existing antennae and the height of each as well as any lightning rods (as applicable)
- Proposed Improvements
  - Show the location of all proposed structures, driveways and roads, easements. number and layout of proposed parking spaces; (as applicable) and proposed location of fire hydrants
  - Landscape plan if landscaping is proposed
  - Elevation plans of proposed site and facility changes
Preliminary stormwater design report - If the project involves the addition or re-development of 2,000-sq. ft. of impervious surfacing in an Urban Growth Area or 5,000-sq. ft. of impervious surfacing outside of an Urban Growth Area, stormwater review will be required for the project.
Associated applications - Applications associated with the project to the extent applicable, such floodplain, habitat, shoreline, wetland, variances, etc., must be submitted prior to or with this application.