53 Pa. Stat. § 11702.2

Current through P.A. Acts 2024-18
Section 11702.2 - Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Accessory equipment." Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a wireless telecommunications facility or wireless support structure. The term includes utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters or similar structures.

"Antenna." Telecommunications equipment that transmits and receives electromagnetic radio signals used in the provision of all types of wireless telecommunications services.

"Application." A formal request submitted to the municipality to modify a wireless support structure, equipment compound or a wireless telecommunications facility.

"Base station." A station at a specified site authorized to communicate with mobile stations, generally consisting of radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial cables, power supplies and other associated electronics.

"Collocation." The placement or installation of new wireless telecommunications facilities on previously approved and constructed wireless support structures, including self-supporting or guyed monopoles and towers, electrical transmission towers, water towers or any other structure not classified as a wireless support structure that can support the placement or installation of wireless telecommunications facilities if approved by the municipality. The term includes the placement, replacement or modification of accessory equipment within a previously approved equipment compound.

"Electrical transmission tower." An electrical transmission structure used to support overhead power lines consisting of 69 kilovolt or greater conducting lines, generally of steel construction and having a height of at least 75 feet. The term shall not include any utility pole having a height of less than 75 feet.

"Equipment compound." An area surrounding or adjacent to a wireless support structure within which base stations, power supplies or accessory equipment are located.

"Judiciary Act Repealer Act." The act of April 28, 1978 (P.L. 202, No. 53), known as the Judiciary Act Repealer Act.

"Modification" or "modify." The improvement, upgrade or expansion of existing wireless telecommunications facilities or base stations on an existing wireless support structure or the improvement, upgrade or expansion of the wireless telecommunications facilities located within an existing equipment compound, if the improvement, upgrade, expansion or replacement does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the wireless support structure.

"Municipality." Any city of the first, second, second class A or third class, borough, incorporated town, township of the first or second class, county of the second class through eighth class, home rule municipality or any similar general purpose unit of government which shall hereafter be created by the General Assembly that has adopted land use or zoning regulations.

"Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code." The act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 805, No. 247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

"Replacement." The replacement of existing wireless telecommunications facilities on an existing wireless support structure or within an existing equipment compound due to maintenance, repair or technological advancement with equipment composed of the same wind loading and structural loading that is substantially similar in size, weight and height as the wireless telecommunications facilities initially installed and that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless support structure.

"Substantial change" or "substantially change."

(1) Any increase in the height of the wireless support structure by more than 10%, or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater, except that the mounting of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility may exceed the size limits set forth in this paragraph if necessary to avoid interference with existing antennas.
(2) Any further increase in the height of a wireless support structure which has already been extended by more than 10% of its originally approved height or by the height of one additional antenna array in accordance with the provisions of this act shall not occur without municipal approval.

"Water tower." A standpipe or an elevated tank situated on a support structure, both of which shall be constructed of steel, have a height of at least 75 feet and be used as a reservoir or facility to deliver water.

"Wireless support structure." A freestanding structure, such as a guyed or self-supporting monopole or tower, electrical transmission tower, water tower or other structure not classified as a wireless support structure, that could support the placement or installation of wireless telecommunications facilities if approved by the municipality.

"Wireless telecommunications facility." The set of equipment and network components, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, cabling and accessory equipment, used to provide wireless data and telecommunications services. The term shall not include the wireless support structure.

53 P.S. § 11702.2

2012, Oct. 24, P.L. 1501, No. 191, § 2, effective in 60 days [Dec. 24, 2012].