Localities Should Contact the Governor Immediately to Urge a Veto

A bill that would “deem approved” applications for new wireless facilities in certain circumstances was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown yesterday for his signature or veto. Local governments that oppose the bill have a short window to make their views known to the Governor’s office— he has roughly 30 days to consider the bill but could act at any time during that period.

AB 57, described in more detail in a recent Legal Alert, will usurp the authority of cities (including charter cities) and counties over placement of wireless facilities by imposing a “deemed approved” regime on applications for all types of wireless facilities, including new wireless towers and collocations on existing wireless sites.

AB 57 was passed with the support of the wireless industry and over the objections of dozens of localities and statewide associations and a handful of state legislators. If signed into law, AB 57 could lead to uncontrolled growth of wireless facilities in communities. Click here to contact the Governor’s office.