ACTION ALERTS:
NEVADA COUNTY CELL TOWER ORDINANCE UPDATE: WE NEED YOUR HELP
THE ISSUE: The Planning Department’s draft “Communication Towers and Facilities” code will be reviewed by the five Planning Commissioners on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 PM. Staff is urging approval and forwarding to the Board of Supervisors. The draft is weak and fails to safeguard the community. Read the County’s 11-page Draft Ordinance
WHAT’S AT STAKE: The draft ordinance reflects the priorities of the telecommunications industry and not the residents of Nevada County. Telecom corporations have lobbyists, vast financial resources, federal preemption advantages, and direct access to regulators. Residents do not. Agencies that should act as watchdogs often facilitate industry expansion.
THIS ORDINANCE IS OUR FIREWALL: It is the only meaningful local mechanism available to ensure responsible siting, wildfire protections, environmental safeguards, and protection of property rights and rural character. Approving anything weaker than what constituents have carefully developed would amount to an industry giveaway, exposing the County to foreseeable risks, public backlash, and legal challenges.
THE ASK: Nevada County for Safe Tech, working with a national team of experts, have produced a vetted 40+ page ordinance with a proven track record in other jurisdictions. The responsible path forward is to adopt it in full.
WHY THE COUNTY’S DRAFT FALLS SHORT:
Missing Key Definitions: Lacks essential telecom definitions, creating ambiguity and weakening compliance standards.
Community Concerns Overlooked: Constituent feedback on wireless impacts was not meaningfully incorporated.
Loopholes & Oversight Gaps: Siting and permitting steps are insufficiently detailed, inviting inconsistent enforcement.
Insufficient Health & Environmental Protections: Fails to proactively mitigate documented risks.
Wildfire Risk Minimization: Facilities may include batteries, generators, plastic housings, and electrical equipment, yet fire safety standards are weak.
Plastic Waste & Pollution: Ongoing upgrades and plastic-heavy infrastructure increase waste and contamination risks.
TAKE ACTION:
Attend and give a 3-minute public comment (script available)*
If you can’t attend, email a letter* by Tuesday, Feb. 24 to: planning@nevadacountyca.gov
Share with others.
HEARING DETAILS: Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 PM, Board Chambers, Eric Rood Center, 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City.
2. Help Fund the Cell Tower Fight in Grass Valley
Verizon is suing the Nevada County Board of Supervisors after they approved a resident’s appeal against a cell tower on Dog Bar Road and denied the permit. A Federal judge granted the resident’s right to join the lawsuit as a defendant. She has garnered the support of neighbors and concerned citizens throughout the county, but needs our help in raising funds for attorney fees. Read about the case and please donate what you can here: Funds for Federal Cell Tower Case
3. Join 704 No More™
Section 704 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and other FCC preemptive actions enforce the FCC’s outdated Radio Frequency Radiation guidelines, ignoring mounting evidence of harm, particularly to children. These laws and preemptive actions also strip away our personal freedoms and property rights, and override the states’ traditional police powers that protect our health and welfare. 704 No More™ is a nationwide, nonpartisan coalition effort to restore state and local control over cell tower and antenna siting. Section 704 undermines public health, environmental protections, and individual rights. Protect children’s health and the environment by taking back local control of cell towers. JOIN THE 704 NO MORE COALITION
