Not all tower and antenna matters must go before the Tower Review Committee (TRC). Submit an inquiry to have the Cell Tower Coordinator help you determine which process to follow.
Baltimore County Zoning Regulations Section 426 defines the responsibilities of the Tower Review Committee in the review of siting wireless telecommunications towers and antennas.
Tower Review Committee Guidelines
The Tower Review Committee is concerned with the following:
- Antennas should be placed on existing towers, buildings and structures, including those of public utilities, where feasible.
- If it is found that a new tower must be built, the tower should be:
- Erected in a medium or high density commercial zone, when available
- Located and designed to minimize its visibility from residential and transitional zones
- Constructed to accommodate a minimum of three providers
Tower Committee Members
The Tower Committee consists of:
- The Director of the Office of Information Technology or the Director's designee, who has technical expertise regarding the siting of wireless telecommunications towers and antennas, shall serve as the Tower Review Committee Chairperson
- The Director of the Department of Planning or the Director's designee
- The Director of the Office of Budget and Finance or the Director's designee
- An at-large citizen representative appointed by the County Council
- Additional representatives of other governmental or consulting agencies as determined by the Tower Review Committee Chairperson
The Office of Information Technology will publicize meetings on the Baltimore County website, as well as the Maryland Daily Record, at least two weeks prior to the meeting date. These are public meetings and not public hearings.
Regarding Requests
Request completion depends on the nature of the request. While we strive to complete the application in a timely manner, the time can be affected by incomplete or incorrect applications and submitted documents, the quality and timeliness of communication and unforeseen delays or events.
Additional Resources
Equipment Data
In some cases, structure height or equipment data may be available. Submit a General Information Inquiry and the CRTS Coordinator will reply to you.
Property Research
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (MDAT)
- Maryland State Archives—Requires that you apply for and create a password for some searches.
Required Analysis
- Structural Analysis—In some cases, you will need to provide a stamped structural analysis from a certified Maryland Physical Engineer regarding any changes your request may make upon the structure. Please provide the report upon request by the Cell Tower Resource Sharing (CTRS) Coordinator. The structural analysis will be examined to determine if it reduces the integrity of the structure to the extent that additional equipment or carriers could not be accommodated or County communications are impacted.
- Radio frequency Analysis—The Baltimore County Office of Technology, Electronic Services may also require a signed and dated radio frequency (RF) analysis done by a Maryland certified engineer showing that the RF emissions proposed by the lessee or licensee will not interfere with existing RF emissions at the site. Provide this information with your lease or license proposal submission.
Required Documentation
Additional information may be requested as required documentation at the sole discretion of Baltimore County.
The Licensee may file with the County a list of the names of those officers, partners or members, as applicable, having legal authority to execute documents on behalf of and legally bind the Licensee, duly certified, as applicable and legally required, together with the aforesaid corporate documents, which shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the County is advised in writing by certified mail to the contrary.
- For Partnerships—Lease or License Proposals, Modifications and Additions submitted by a partnership must include a copy of the Partnership Agreement and duly certified evidence that the partner is authorized to sign on behalf of and legally bind the Partnership and indemnify the County. License Proposals, Modifications and Renewals submitted by a partnership must be signed by the partner who is the legally authorized to bind the partnership.
- For Corporations—Lease or License Proposals, Modifications and Additions submitted by a corporation must include a copy of the Articles of Corporation, By-Laws and a copy of the Board Resolution, duly certified by the Corporate Secretary, evidencing the authority of the officer so signing on behalf of the corporation to both contract with and indemnify the County. License Proposals, Modifications and Renewals submitted by a corporation must be signed by a legally authorized officer of the corporation and attested to by the Corporate Secretary.
- For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)—Lease or License Proposals, Modifications and Additions submitted by an LLC must include a copy of the Operating Agreement and Articles of Organization, duly certified by the Corporate Secretary, evidencing the authority of the officer so signing on behalf of the company to both contract with and indemnify the County. License Proposals, Modifications and Renewals submitted by an LLC must be signed by a legally authorized officer of the corporation and attested to by the Corporate Secretary.
- Memorandum of Lease or License —If the existing lease or license extends for a period of over seven years with or without renewals, Lessees or Licensees shall be required to execute and record a Memorandum of License within the Land Records and to pay such taxes as are due to the State and the County.
Legal Requirements
- License terms—Must be negotiated with Baltimore County and will be determined in the County’s sole and exclusive business judgment based upon the site.
- ACCORD Insurance Forms— Are permissible only if Baltimore County is listed as an additional insured and certificate holder on the ACCORD insurance form. The site name or address of the structure, and the coverage dates must be clearly stated on the document.
- Advertisement—Per the Baltimore County Code, new licenses agreed to by the County must be advertised in a paper of general circulation for a period of three weeks at the expense of the Licensee. Final approval shall be subject to a public hearing should a protested license be registered with the County.
- Bonds— Licensees may be required to issue such payment, construction or performance bonds as may be necessary in the determination of the Baltimore County agency or department entering into the license.