Bill > S00603

This bill enacts the "Wireless Broadband Eligible Facility Permitting Act" to create a uniform statewide process for permitting wireless facility modifications, particularly for broadband and advanced wireless services. The bill defines key terms like "base station," "collocation," and "eligible facilities request," and establishes a streamlined approval process for certain wireless infrastructure improvements. Municipalities are required to act on wireless facility applications within specific timeframes (90 days for base stations, 150 days for towers, and 60 days for eligible facility requests) and are prohibited from requiring additional zoning or land use permits for eligible facility modifications. The legislation aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers to wireless infrastructure development while maintaining local governments' fundamental zoning authorities. Municipalities must review eligible facility requests ministerially, meaning they can only check for basic compliance and cannot exercise discretionary judgment. If a municipality fails to respond within the specified timeframe, the permit is automatically deemed granted. The bill also provides a mechanism for aggrieved parties to seek judicial review and explicitly states that its provisions preempt any inconsistent existing laws regarding wireless facility placement and modification.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S603