Who We Are
We are residents of Nevada County who have come together to support a strong, safe cell tower and wireless communications ordinance, and to share information on the towers and 5g antennas planned for our communities. While community members are eager for improved cell phone service for themselves and emergency responders, we have concerns about the County’s planning process for cell tower and wireless facility expansion. We aim to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and ensure the safety of our environment and residents. Local oversight of the permitting procedures and deployment is key, and public transparency is required.
Key elements of a safe wireless ordinance typically include:
Clear guidelines for the siting and installation of wireless facilities to preserve community aesthetics.
Detailed and transparent permitting procedures that maintain local oversight.
Robust opportunities for public participation to ensure community concerns and feedback are adequately addressed.
Stringent health and safety standards to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation and fire risk.
Timeline:
January 22, 2025 - Nevada County for Safe Tech request is made at 3-day Board of Supervisors Workshop for a Public Workshop to discuss the drafting of a revised Communications and Facilities Ordinance.
March 31st, 2025 - Planning Staff presented recommendations for a revised ordinance at the Public Workshop facilitated by District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout with 60+ community members attending and providing feedback . Watch Here: Public Meeting-Revamping Cell Tower Ordinance
August 8, 2025 - Nevada County for Safe Tech presents a 40+ page ordinance template prepared by Children’s Health Defense (CHD) Wireless Legal Advocacy Consultants to be used by the Planning Department for their draft ordinance.
February 26, 2026 - Planning Commission votes to pass Staff’s draft ordinance which included only a few of NCST suggestions and directs Staff to meet with community members to make future revisions.
March 31, 2026 - County Counsel, Planning Staff, NCST members and CHD attorneys meet to discuss the legal ramifications of the draft ordinance and opportunities to make it stronger.
April 14, 2026 - Board of Supervisors do not use their full authority under the law to create a stronger ordinance and pass the Staff revisions, despite gaps and loopholes that leave the County vulnerable to liability, unrestrained wireless expansion, and increased radio-frequency exposure left unmonitored. Board of Supervisors April 14th Documents.
What You Can Do
Sign up below to receive news and updates, and email info@nevadacountyforsafetech.com to connect with your community.
Attend the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Meetings, and provide public comment on the issues important to you. Sign up for notifications.
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
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