Small Cell Wireless Facilities

Communication facilities, which primarily refers to wireless communication apparatuses such as cell towers, must be approved by the Town before installation. Small Cell Wireless Facilities are located within the public right-of-way on traffic signals or streetlights. 

These types of facilities may be administratively approved. 

Step 1: Criteria for Small Cell Wireless Facilities

• There are five types of communication facilities in Oro Valley. Click HERE to review the requirements or each to make sure your proposal meets the criteria for a small cell wireless facility. 
• Upon staff review, applications may be re-classified to a different type of facility. If re-classified, applicants will be made aware of the change and additional fees may apply. 

Step 2: Formal submittal for staff review 

• All applicable departments will review your submittal for code compliance within 20 business days. Additional revised submittals addressing staff comments may be required until all code requirements have been satisfied.
• To avoid delays, applicants should review all applicable provisions of the Zoning Code and ensure the formal submittal is complete. 
• Depending on the type of communication facility proposed, you can submit your formal application online through the customer portal under "Communication Facilities - Small Cell Wireless Facility  
• Review the following information and submit online in PDF format. Incomplete submittals will be returned for additional information.
  • Standards, concepts and requirements(PDF, 6MB)
  • License agreement templates(PDF, 27MB)
  • Directions for small cell wireless facilities in the right-of-way(PDF, 86KB)

Step 3: Approval and next steps 

• Once the submittal is code compliant, the application will be administratively approved. 
• Upon approval, you may proceed with installation.