Rosemead council introduces ordinances to standardize permitting and fees for wireless facilities

City staff presented two ordinances and a companion resolution to update Rosemead's municipal code and fee schedule for wireless telecommunications facilities, and the council introduced both ordinances for first reading and approved the fee-resolution action by unanimous vote.

Staff said Ordinance 1032 would codify federal and state provisions into a new chapter 17.54 for wireless facilities on private property and establish administrative wireless facility permits (eligible facilities requests) and discretionary wireless facility permits (subject to planning commission and council appeal). Ordinance 1033 would create chapter 12.54 to regulate installations in the public right-of-way, including administrative permit pathways for small wireless facilities and discretionary review for conflict applications. Staff recommended the ordinances align Rosemead's code with federal and state law while allowing the city flexibility to update application procedures and design guidelines.

A member of the public who spoke at the hearing, Arangel, asked about potential health effects and radiation from telecommunications installations: "I would like to know what is being installed and how it's gonna affect the community." City officials responded that federal law restricts local agencies from relying on health claims to deny such applications and that the ordinances are primarily focused on permitting pathways and appearance/design standards rather than health-based prohibitions.

Staff also proposed Resolution 2026-17 to add fees to the comprehensive fee schedule to recover the city's cost of processing wireless permit applications. The city attorney noted staff would not collect the new fees until the ordinances are effective (second reading and a 30-day waiting period) so applicants are not prematurely charged.

Councilmember Steven Lee moved to accept staff recommendations and introduce Ordinances 1032 and 1033 (first reading) and approve Resolution 2026-17; Councilmember Margaret Clark seconded. The council adopted the motion by roll-call vote, 5–0.

What happens next: The ordinances were introduced for first reading; they require a second reading and a future effective date (fees not collected until the ordinances take effect and the 30-day period passes).