The North Carolina Telecommunications Ordinance refers to the set of regulations and guidelines established by the state of North Carolina to govern the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure within its jurisdiction. This comprehensive ordinance aims to ensure the efficient and equitable provision of telecommunications services while safeguarding public safety, maintaining aesthetic values, and protecting the environment. These telecommunications' ordinance encompasses various aspects of the industry, including wireless and wire line technologies, fiber optics, mobile telephony, broadband infrastructure, towers, antennas, and related equipment. It outlines the rules and procedures that telecommunication companies, service providers, and infrastructure developers must comply with when deploying and managing their telecommunications networks. The North Carolina Telecommunication Ordinance encompasses several key areas, including: 1. Zoning and Land Use regulations: This section provides guidelines for the location and siting of telecommunications facilities, such as cell towers, antennas, and equipment shelters. It addresses issues such as setbacks, height limitations, buffer zones, and visual impacts to maintain community aesthetics and preserve property values. 2. Permitting and Application Process: Describes the procedures and requirements to obtain permits for constructing and modifying telecommunications facilities. It specifies the application documents, fees, timelines, and reviews needed to ensure compliance with safety, engineering, and legal standards. 3. Environmental Considerations: This section covers the assessment of potential environmental impacts associated with the installation and operation of telecommunications infrastructure. It may include provisions related to the protection of wildlife habitats, wetlands, historic sites, and adherence to state and federal environmental regulations. 4. Safety and Radiofrequency (RF) Emissions: Addresses the safety concerns associated with RF emissions from telecommunication facilities. It specifies the permissible exposure limits, compliance testing requirements, signage, and public notification procedures to protect the health and well-being of residents. 5. Public Right-of-Way Usage: Governs the placement and use of telecommunications infrastructure in public rights-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, and utility easements. It outlines the permitting process, fees, restoration requirements, and standards to minimize disruption and ensure public safety. 6. Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing: Encourages the sharing of telecommunications infrastructure to minimize visual clutter and reduce environmental impact. It may include provisions for co-location on existing structures, such as buildings and utility poles, to promote a cost-effective and efficient use of limited resources. It's worth noting that specific counties or municipalities within North Carolina may have their own telecommunications ordinances that may provide additional requirements or regulations tailored to their local needs. These local ordinances may address issues like small cell deployment, wireless planning, and other region-specific considerations. In conclusion, the North Carolina Telecommunications Ordinance serves as a comprehensive framework for the responsible, efficient, and safe expansion of telecommunications infrastructure throughout the state. By providing guidelines for zoning, permitting, environmental considerations, safety, public right-of-way usage, and infrastructure sharing, this ordinance strives to balance the needs of the telecommunications' industry with the interests of the community and the environment.