Cell Tower Processes

Either the Tower Review Committee (TRC) process or the Cell Tower Resource Sharing (CTRS) process will be used to review and make a decision regarding a cell tower request. Both of these processes and the steps to follow for each type of request are provided below.

Tower Review Committee (TRC) Application Process

Not all tower and antenna matters must go before the TRC. Be sure to determine which of our processes matches your request.

For Applicants Seeking to Build a New Freestanding Telecom Tower

All requests for ground-based tower construction on County, private or public property must be reviewed by the TRC.

If the property of interest is County-owned:

1. Submit the appropriate tower construction inquiry.
2. Wait for a reply and direction from Wireless EDGE.

If the property of interest is privately-owned or an existing utility site:

1. Submit the appropriate tower construction inquiry.
2. Wait for email from the TRC Coordinator before submitting your application package. In certain circumstances, a request may be exempt from the TRC application process.
3. Complete the Application for Wireless Communications Site Placement.
4. Deliver the complete application package along with application fee, as directed in the Supplemental Information to the Application for Wireless Communications Site Placement instructions.
5. Receive and respond to communication from the TRC Coordinator in reference to issues, status updates and meeting appointments.
6. Attend scheduled TRC meetings related to the application.
7. Forward all requested post-meeting deliverables as soon as possible.
8. Receive a copy of the official TRC Recommendation Letter.

Note: Submit the appropriate status inquiry to check the status of your request at any time during the application review process.

Cell Tower Resource Sharing (CTRS) Review Process

All requests for new collocation construction or existing collocation site upgrades involving buildings and structures owned by Baltimore County are subject to review according to the CTRS Process. The resource sharing review process includes the following steps:

For a new collocation in which the structure of interest is County-owned, and for modifications to an existing collocation site which was licensed through Wireless EDGE:

1. Submit the antenna collocation inquiry.
2. Wait for a reply and direction from Wireless EDGE.

For modifications to an existing collocation site which was licensed through Baltimore County:

1. Submit the antenna collocation inquiry.
2. Wait for email from Baltimore County's Cell Tower Resource Sharing Coordinator acknowledging receipt of your request, including authorization to proceed and instructions for starting the review process.
3. Receive an application tracking number (AT#) for your request, to be included on all email communication and on, at least, the first page of physical documents.
4. As directed by the CTRS Coordinator, forward the attachments as outlined in the CTRS supplemental information guide.
5. Receive and respond, in a timely manner, to communication from the CTRS Coordinator in reference to issues, status updates, site visits, meeting appointments, and drafting or executing agreements.

Note: You may submit a status inquiry to check the status of your request at any time during the review process. The Application Tracking Number (AT#) you received from the TRC Coordinator will be required to submit the inquiry.

Site Agreement Administration

If you would like to renew or terminate an existing collocation agreement, select the appropriate link and follow the appropriate procedure.

Emergency Access or Routine Maintenance

For Existing Agreement Holders Seeking Access to a Site

When emergency access or routine maintenance—not involving construction to upgrade site equipment or ground space—is required on an existing public right-of-way or Baltimore County collocation site, follow the instructions below:

1. Do not submit an inquiry form.
2. Follow the requirements of your current agreement.
3. Contact the appropriate Baltimore County authority, for access or as a courtesy, at least 24 hours prior to site entry for routine maintenance and immediately upon recognizing a need and planning to carry out emergency access.