The proposed bill, HB25-1055, seeks to streamline the approval process for telecommunications providers seeking to establish or modify wireless telecommunications facilities in Colorado. Key provisions include:
Deemed Approval: If a local government does not approve or reject an application within 60 days after submission, and the telecommunications provider has met all public notice requirements and notified the local government of the elapsed 60-day period, the application is considered approved.
Application Process: Telecommunications providers must provide all required public notices and inform the local government when the 60-day period has passed, triggering the deemed approval.
Local Government Authority: Local governments can extend the 60-day period to request additional information from the applicant and may mutually agree with the telecommunications provider to extend the timeline.
Equipment Changes: Telecommunications providers removing, discontinuing, or replacing equipment at existing facilities are not required to file a new application or obtain additional permits, provided the changes are not substantial and the local government is notified.
This bill aims to expedite the deployment and modification of wireless telecommunications infrastructure, potentially enhancing cell phone connectivity across the state.
Summary
Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. The bill
requires that an application by a telecommunications provider for the siting and construction of a new wireless telecommunications facility or for the substantial change of an existing wireless telecommunications facility (application) submitted to a local government is deemed approved by the local government if: •
The local government has not approved or rejected the application within 60 days after the application is submitted to the local government or conducted a pre-application meeting or other documented communication regarding the application, whichever is earlier (60-day time period);
•
The telecommunications provider has provided all public notices required under applicable law; and
•
The telecommunications provider has provided notice to the local government that the 60-day time period has lapsed and that the application is deemed approved.
A local government may toll the 60-day time period to allow the
local government to make timely requests for information to complete an application. The 60-day time period may also be extended by mutual agreement of the telecommunications provider and the local government.
The bill also prohibits a local government from requiring a
telecommunications provider that removes, discontinues, or replaces telecommunications equipment at an existing wireless telecommunications facility to file a new application or obtain additional permits if:
•
The telecommunications provider notifies the local government of the necessary removal, discontinuance, or replacement of the telecommunications equipment; and
•
The removal, discontinuance, or replacement of the telecommunications equipment is not a substantial change to the facility.
The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026.
