Cell Site Installation & Maintenance Guide

Start with Economic Development

Before submitting a formal application or permit request, applicants should contact the Economic Development Division to discuss the proposed site and confirm the appropriate review process.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

1. Site address.
2. Type of wireless facility.
3. Equipment description.
4. General purpose or coverage objective.
5. Conceptual plans or drawings, if available.
6. Contact information for the carrier, tower company, or consultant.

This helps the City determine whether the property is appropriate, whether a City lease may be required, and which departments need to review the request.

Common Wireless Facility Requests

The City may review different types of wireless facility requests, including:

1. New wireless facility installations.
2. Lease renewals.
3. Lease amendments or modifications.
4. Antenna swaps or equipment upgrades.
5. Routine maintenance.
6. Emergency repair work.
7. Requests for Letters of Authorization.
8. Public right-of-way work, including fiber, trenching, conduit, or streetlight-related work.

The required process will depend on the scope of work and the location of the facility.

City Lease Agreement

Wireless facilities located on City-owned property may require a lease agreement with the City. Lease terms may include site location, access, rent or fees, term length, renewal options, maintenance responsibilities, insurance, and other obligations.

Lease agreements are reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office, and City Council approval may be required. Construction permits will not be issued until the required lease agreement has been executed.

Wireless Facility Permits

Wireless facilities on City-owned property outside of the public right-of-way may require review by the Planning Division. Depending on the project, the request may be processed as an Eligible Facilities Request, Minor Wireless Facility Permit, or Major Wireless Facility Permit.

Major wireless facilities may require Planning Commission review and approval. Applicants should review Glendora Municipal Code Section 21.03.100 for full wireless facility standards and requirements.

Required Permits

After planning and lease approvals are secured, applicants may need to obtain additional permits, including:

1. Building Permit.
2. Electrical Permit.
3. Encroachment Permit, if work affects the public right-of-way.

Applicants may be required to submit construction drawings, structural calculations, electrical diagrams, site layout plans, mounting details, and traffic control plans, depending on the scope of work.

Existing Wireless Facilities

For antenna swaps, cabinet upgrades, or other equipment changes, applicants should contact the Economic Development Division first.

Routine maintenance or like-kind replacements may only require coordination and an updated Letter of Authorization. However, if the work increases the height, adds equipment, expands the lease footprint, or changes the impact of the facility, additional review, permits, and lease amendments may be required.

Emergency maintenance may proceed when necessary to protect public safety or restore service, but carriers must notify the City as soon as reasonably possible afterward. 

Construction and Major Upgrades

Before beginning construction or major upgrades, carriers may be required to provide a Performance and Removal Bond of at least $75,000, adjusted annually, to ensure site restoration and compliance with removal obligations. 

Who Reviews What

Economic Development Division
Primary point of contact for City-owned property lease coordination, Letters of Authorization, and site eligibility review.

Planning Division
Reviews wireless facility permits, zoning compliance, design standards, public hearings, and Planning Commission items.

Public Works Department
Reviews work in the public right-of-way, encroachment permits, fiber, conduit, trenching, and infrastructure impacts.

Building & Safety Division
Reviews building permits, electrical permits, construction plans, and inspections.

Do I need a City lease if the wireless facility is on private property?
No City lease is required for private property. However, permits may still be required, and the applicant must obtain approval from the private property owner or utility owner.

Can I submit permit and lease requests at the same time?
Yes, but lease negotiations can take time. Applicants should coordinate early to avoid permit delays or expiration issues.

Who should I contact first?
Start with the Economic Development Division. Staff will help determine the appropriate next steps and route the request to the correct City department.