A telecommunication facility is defined as a facility, site, or location that contains one or more antenna, telecommunications towers or monopoles, a distributed antenna system (DAS), micro-cell or other miniaturization technology, alternative support structures, satellite dish antennas, other similar communication devices, and related equipment and site improvements used for transmitting, receiving, or relaying telecommunications signals.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan objectives and policies provide direction for the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature shown on the plan. Unless a feature is already shown on the Comprehensive Plan no public facility shall be authorized until the general or approximate location, character, and extent has been submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission as being substantially in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. In connection with any such determination, the Planning Commission may, and at the direction of the Board of Supervisors shall, hold a public hearing. The Planning Commission's decision shall comply with the requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 for a telecommunications 2232 application.
Effective July 1, 2016, Virginia State Code Section 15.2-2232 was modified to stipulate that a proposed new telecommunications tower or monopole facility in a zoning district where they are permitted by right shall be deemed to be substantially in accord with the Comprehensive Plan and Planning Commission approval shall not be required. Prior to the approval and installation of such structures, staff analysis and Planning Commission review, including in some cases a public hearing to allow community input, is appropriate. To ensure both staff review and legislative consideration, the Board of Supervisors approved a Zoning Ordinance amendment, effective June 22, 2016, requiring special exception approval by the Board of Supervisors prior to the installation of any new telecommunications monopole or tower.
2232 Review
The term 2232 Review derives from the Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2232. Fairfax County's 2232 review process for telecommunication facilities determines if the general or approximate location, character, and extent are in substantial accord with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. 2232 review applies to new telecommunication facilities greater than 50 feet in height.