![](media/image1.png){width="1.3576388888888888in" height="1.34375in"}

**A Local Government Official's Guide to**

**Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety:**

**Rules, Procedures, and Practical Guidance**

![](media/image2.bmp)

**June 2, 2000**

**A Local Government Official's Guide to**

**Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety:**

**Rules, Procedures, and Practical Guidance**

Over the past two years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and
its Local and State Government Advisory Committee (LSGAC) have been
working together to prepare a voluntary guide to assist state and local
governments in devising efficient procedures for ensuring that the
antenna facilities located in their communities comply with the FCC's
limits for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields.
The attached guide is the product of this joint effort.

We encourage state and local government officials to consult this guide
when addressing issues of facilities siting within their communities.
This guide contains basic information, in a form accessible to officials
and citizens alike, that will alleviate misunderstandings in the complex
area of RF emissions safety. This guide is not intended to replace OET
Bulletin 65, which contains detailed technical information regarding RF
issues, and should continue to be used and consulted for complex sites.
The guide contains information, tables, and a model checklist to assist
state and local officials in identifying sites that do not raise
concerns regarding compliance with the Commission's RF exposure limits.
In many cases, the model checklist offers a quick and effective way for
state and local officials to establish that particular RF facilities are
unlikely to exceed specific federal guidelines that protect the public
from the environmental effects of RF emissions. Thus, we believe this
guide will facilitate federal, state, and local governments working
together to protect the public while bringing advanced and innovative
communications services to consumers as rapidly as possible. We hope and
expect that use of this guide will benefit state and local governments,
service providers, and, most importantly, the American public.

We wish all of you good luck in your facilities siting endeavors.

William E. Kennard, Chairman Kenneth S. Fellman, Chair

Federal Communications Commission Local and State Government Advisory
Committee

**A** **LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL\'S GUIDE TO TRANSMITTING ANTENNA RF
EMISSION SAFETY: RULES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE**

A common question raised in discussions about the siting of wireless
telecommunications and broadcast antennas is, \"Will this tower create
any health concerns for our citizens?\" We have designed this guide to
provide you with information and guidance in devising efficient
procedures for assuring that the antenna facilities located in your
community comply with the Federal Communication Commission\'s (FCC's)
limits for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic
fields.[^1]

We have included a checklist and tables to help you quickly identify
siting applications that do not raise RF exposure concerns. Appendix A
to this guide contains a checklist that you may use to identify
"categorically excluded" facilities that are unlikely to cause RF
exposures in excess of the FCC's guidelines. Appendix B contains tables
and figures that set forth, for some of the most common types of
facilities, "worst case" distances beyond which there is no realistic
possibility that exposure could exceed the FCC's guidelines.

As discussed below, FCC rules require transmitting facilities to comply
with RF exposure guidelines. The limits established in the guidelines
are designed to protect the public health with a very large margin of
safety. These limits have been endorsed by federal health and safety
agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and
Drug Administration. The FCC's rules have been upheld by a Federal Court
of Appeals.[^2] As discussed below, most facilities create maximum
exposures that are only a small fraction of the limits. Moreover, the
limits themselves are many times below levels that are generally
accepted as having the potential to cause adverse health effects.
Nonetheless, it is recognized that any instance of noncompliance with
the guidelines is potentially very serious, and the FCC has therefore
implemented procedures to enforce compliance with its rules. At the same
time, state and local governments may wish to verify compliance with the
FCC's exposure limits in order to protect their own citizens. As a state
or local government official, you can play an important role in ensuring
that innovative and beneficial communications services are provided in a
manner that is consistent with public health and safety.

This document addresses only the issue of compliance with RF exposure
limits established by the FCC. It does not address other issues such as
construction, siting, permits, inspection, zoning, environmental review,
and placement of antenna facilities within communities. Such issues fall
generally under the jurisdiction of states and local governments, within
the limits imposed for personal wireless service facilities by Section
332(c)(7) of the Communications Act.[^3]

This document is not intended to provide legal guidance regarding the
scope of state or local government authority under Section 332(c)(7) or
any other provision of law. Section 332(c)(7)[^4] generally preserves
state and local authority over decisions regarding the placement,
construction, and modification of personal wireless service
facilities,[^5] subject to specific limitations set forth in Section
332(c)(7). Among other things, Section 332(c)(7) provides that "\[n\]o
State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the
placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service
facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency
emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the \[FCC's\]
regulations concerning such emissions." The full text of Section
332(c)(7) is set forth in Appendix C.

State and local governments and the FCC may differ regarding the extent
of state and local legal authority under Section 332(c)(7) and other
provisions of law. To the extent questions arise regarding such
authority, they are being addressed by the courts. Rather than address
these legal questions, this document recognizes that, as a practical
matter, state and local governments have a role to play in ensuring
compliance with the FCC's limits, and it provides guidance to assist you
in effectively fulfilling that role. The twin goals of this document
are: (1) to define and promote locally-adaptable procedures that will
provide you, as a local official concerned about transmitting antenna
emissions, with adequate assurance of compliance, while (2), at the same
time, avoiding the imposition of unnecessary burdens on either the local
government process or the FCC's licensees.

First, we\'ll start with a summary of the FCC's RF exposure guidelines
and some background information that you\'ll find helpful. Next, we\'ll
review the FCC's procedures for verifying compliance with the guidelines
and enforcing its rules. Finally, we\'ll offer you some practical
guidance to help you determine if personal wireless service facilities
[may]{.underline} raise compliance concerns. Note, however, that this
guide is only intended to help you distinguish sites that are unlikely
to raise compliance concerns from those that may raise compliance
concerns, not to identify sites that are out of compliance. Detailed
technical information necessary to determine compliance for individual
sites is contained in the FCC's OET Bulletin 65 (see footnote 1, above).

Before we start, however, let's take a short tour of the radiofrequency
spectrum. RF signals may be transmitted over a wide range of
frequencies. The frequency of an RF signal is expressed in terms of
cycles per second or "Hertz," abbreviated "Hz." One kilohertz (kHz)
equals one thousand Hz, one megahertz (MHz) equals one million Hz, and
one gigahertz (GHz) equals one billion Hz. In the figure below, you\'ll
see that AM radio signals are at the lower end of the RF spectrum, while
other radio services, such as analog and digital TV (DTV), cellular and
PCS telephony, and point-to-point microwave services are much higher in
frequency.

![](media/image3.wmf)**Illustration 1**

The FCC's limits for maximum permissible exposure (MPE) to RF emissions
depend on the frequency or frequencies that a person is exposed to.
Different frequencies may have different MPE levels. Later in this
document we\'ll show you how this relationship of frequency to MPE limit
works.

**I. The FCC's RF Exposure Guidelines and Rules.**

Part 1 of the FCC's Rules and Regulations contains provisions
implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). NEPA
requires all federal agencies to evaluate the potential environmental
significance of an agency action. Exposure to RF energy has been
identified by the FCC as a potential environmental factor that must be
considered before a facility, operation or transmitter can be authorized
or licensed. The FCC's requirements dealing with RF exposure can be
found in Part 1 of its rules at 47 C.F.R. § 1.1307(b). The exposure
limits themselves are specified in 47 C.F.R. § 1.1310 in terms of
frequency, field strength, power density and averaging time. Facilities
and transmitters licensed and authorized by the FCC [must]{.underline}
either comply with these guidelines or else an applicant must file an
Environmental Assessment (EA) with the FCC as specified in 47 C.F.R. §
1.1301 *et seq.* An EA is an official document required by the FCC's
rules whenever an action may have a significant environmental impact
(see discussion below). In practice, however, a potential environmental
RF exposure problem is typically resolved before an EA would become
necessary. Therefore, compliance with the FCC's RF guidelines
constitutes a *de facto* threshold for obtaining FCC approval to
construct or operate a station or transmitter. The FCC guidelines are
based on exposure criteria recommended in 1986 by the National Council
on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and on the 1991 standard
developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) and later adopted as a standard by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992).

The FCC's guidelines establish separate MPE limits for \"general
population/uncontrolled exposure\" and for \"occupational/controlled
exposure.\" The general population/uncontrolled limits set the maximum
exposure to which most people may be subjected. People in this group
include the general public [not]{.underline} associated with the
installation and maintenance of the transmitting equipment. Higher
exposure limits are permitted under the \"occupational/controlled
exposure\" category, but only for persons who are exposed as a
consequence of their employment (*e.g.*, wireless radio engineers,
technicians). To qualify for the occupational/controlled exposure
category, exposed persons must be made fully aware of the potential for
exposure (*e.g*., through training), and they must be able to exercise
control over their exposure. In addition, people passing through a
location, who are made aware of the potential for exposure, may be
exposed under the occupational/controlled criteria. The MPE limits
adopted by the FCC for occupational/controlled and general
population/uncontrolled exposure incorporate a [substantial
margin]{.underline} of safety and have been established to be well below
levels generally accepted as having the potential to cause adverse
health effects.

Determining whether a potential health hazard could exist with respect
to a given transmitting antenna is not always a simple matter. Several
important factors must be considered in making that determination. They
include the following: (1) What is the frequency of the RF signal being
transmitted? (2) What is the operating power of the transmitting station
and what is the actual power radiated from the antenna? [^6] (3) How
long will someone be exposed to the RF signal at a given distance from
the antenna? (4) What other antennas are located in the area, and what
is the exposure from those antennas? We\'ll explore each of these issues
in greater detail below.

For all frequency ranges at which FCC licensees operate, Section 1.1310
of the FCC's rules establishes maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits
to which people may be exposed. The MPE limits vary by frequency because
of the different absorptive properties of the human body at different
frequencies when exposed to whole‑body RF fields. Section 1.1310
establishes MPE limits in terms of \"electric field strength,\"
\"magnetic field strength,\" and \"far‑field equivalent power density\"
(power density). For most frequencies used by the wireless services, the
most relevant measurement is power density. The MPE limits for power
density are given in terms of \"milliwatts per square centimeter\" or
mW/cm^2^. One milliwatt equals one thousandth of one watt (1/1000 of a
watt).[^7] In terms of power density, for a given frequency the FCC MPE
limits can be interpreted as specifying the maximum rate that energy can
be transferred (*i.e.*, the power) to a square centimeter of a person\'s
body over a period of time (either 6 or 30 minutes, as explained below).
In practice, however, since it is unrealistic to measure separately the
exposure of each square centimeter of the body, actual compliance with
the FCC limits on RF emissions should be determined by "spatially
averaging" a person's exposure over the projected area of an adult human
body (this concept is discussed in the FCC's OET Bulletin 65).

![](media/image4.wmf)

Illustration 2

Electric field strength and magnetic field strength are used to measure
"near field" exposure. At frequencies [below]{.underline} 300 MHz, these
are typically the more relevant measures of exposure, and power density
values are given primarily for reference purposes. However, evaluation
of far-field equivalent power density exposure may still be appropriate
for evaluating exposure in some such cases. For frequencies
[above]{.underline} 300 MHz, only one field component need be evaluated,
and exposure is usually more easily characterized in terms of power
density. Transmitters and antennas that operate at 300 MHz or lower
include radio broadcast stations, some television broadcast stations,
and certain personal wireless service facilities (*e.g*., some paging
stations). Most personal wireless services, including all cellular and
PCS, as well as some television broadcast stations, operate at
frequencies above 300 MHz. (See Illustration 1.)

As noted above, the MPE limits are specified as time‑averaged exposure
limits. This means that exposure can be averaged over the identified
time interval (30 minutes for general population/uncontrolled exposure
or 6 minutes for occupational/controlled exposure). However, for the
case of exposure of the general public, time averaging is usually not
applied because of uncertainties over exact exposure conditions and
difficulty in controlling time of exposure. Therefore, the typical
conservative approach is to assume that any RF exposure to the general
public will be continuous. The FCC's limits for exposure at different
frequencies are shown in Illustration 3, below:

**Illustration 3. *FCC* *Limits for Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
***

**(A) Limits for Occupational/Controlled Exposure**

+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| F        | Electric     | Magnetic Field  | Power     | Averaging   |
| requency | Field        | Strength (H)    | Density   | Time        |
|          |              |                 |           |             |
| Range    | Strength (E) | (A/m)           | \(S\)     | \|E\|^2^,   |
|          |              |                 |           | \|H\|^2^ or |
| (MHz)    | (V/m)        |                 | (         | S           |
|          |              |                 | mW/cm^2^) |             |
|          |              |                 |           | (minutes)   |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 0.3‑3.0  | 614          | 1.63            | (100)\*   | 6           |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 3.0‑30   | 1842/f       | 4.89/f          | (90       | 6           |
|          |              |                 | 0/f^2^)\* |             |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 30‑300   | 61.4         | 0.163           | 1.0       | 6           |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 300‑1500 | \--          | \--             | f/300     | 6           |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 1500     | \--          | \--             | 5         | 6           |
| ‑100,000 |              |                 |           |             |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+

**(B) Limits for General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure**

+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| F        | Electric     | Magnetic Field  | Power     | Averaging   |
| requency | Field        | Strength (H)    | Density   | Time        |
|          |              |                 |           |             |
| Range    | Strength (E) | (A/m)           | \(S\)     | \|E\|^2^,   |
|          |              |                 |           | \|H\|^2^ or |
| (MHz)    | (V/m)        |                 | (         | S           |
|          |              |                 | mW/cm^2^) |             |
|          |              |                 |           | (minutes)   |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 0.3‑1.34 | 614          | 1.63            | (100)\*   | 30          |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 1.34‑30  | 824/f        | 2.19/f          | (18       | 30          |
|          |              |                 | 0/f^2^)\* |             |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 30‑300   | 27.5         | 0.073           | 0.2       | 30          |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 300‑1500 | \--          | \--             | f/1500    | 30          |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+
| 1500     | \--          | \--             | 1.0       | 30          |
| ‑100,000 |              |                 |           |             |
+----------+--------------+-----------------+-----------+-------------+

f = frequency in MHz \*Plane‑wave equivalent power density

^NOTE\ 1:\ Occupational/controlled\ limits\ apply\ in\ situations\ in\ which\ persons\ are\ exposed\ as\ a\ consequence\ of\ their\ employment\ provided\ those\ persons\ are\ fully\ aware\ of\ the\ potential\ for\ exposure\ and\ can\ exercise\ control\ over\ their\ exposure.\ Limits\ for\ occupational/controlled\ exposure\ also\ apply\ in\ situations\ when\ an\ individual\ is\ transient\ through\ a\ location\ where\ occupational/controlled\ limits\ apply\ provided\ he\ or\ she\ is\ made\ aware\ of\ the\ potential\ for\ exposure.^

^NOTE\ 2:\ General\ population/uncontrolled\ exposures\ apply\ in\ situations\ in\ which\ the\ general\ public\ may\ be\ exposed,\ or\ in\ which\ persons\ that\ are\ exposed\ as\ a\ consequence\ of\ their\ employment\ may\ not\ be\ fully\ aware\ of\ the\ potential\ for\ exposure\ or\ cannot\ exercise\ control\ over\ their\ exposure.^

Finally, it is important to understand that the FCC's limits apply
cumulatively to all sources of RF emissions affecting a given area. A
common example is where two or more wireless operators have agreed to
share the cost of building and maintaining a tower, and to place their
antennas on that joint structure. In such a case, the total exposure
from the two facilities taken together must be within the FCC
guidelines, or else an EA will be required.

######  A. Categorically Excluded Facilities

The Commission has determined through calculations and technical
analysis that due to their low power or height above ground level, many
facilities by their very nature are highly unlikely to cause human
exposures in excess of the guideline limits, and operators of those
facilities are exempt from routinely having to determine compliance.
Facilities with these characteristics are considered \"categorically
excluded\" from the requirement for routine environmental processing for
RF exposure.

Section 1.1307(b)(1) of the Commission\'s rules sets forth which
facilities are categorically excluded.[^8] If a facility is
categorically excluded, an applicant or licensee may ordinarily assume
compliance with the guideline limits for exposure. However, an applicant
or licensee must evaluate and determine compliance for a facility that
is otherwise categorically excluded if specifically requested to do so
by the FCC.[^9] If potential environmental significance is found as a
result, an EA must be filed with the FCC.

No radio or television broadcast facilities are categorically excluded.
Thus, broadcast applicants and licensees [must]{.underline}
affirmatively determine their facility\'s compliance with the guidelines
before construction, and upon every facility modification or license
renewal application. With respect to personal wireless services, a
cellular facility is categorically excluded if the total effective
radiated power (ERP) of all channels operated by the licensee at a site
is 1000 watts or less. If the facility uses sectorized antennas, only
the total effective radiated power in each direction is considered.
Examples of a 3 sector and a single sector antenna array are shown
below:

![](media/image5.wmf)

**Illustration 4**

In addition, a cellular facility is categorically excluded, regardless
of its power, if it is [not]{.underline} mounted on a building
[and]{.underline} the lowest point of the antenna is at least 10 meters
(about 33 feet) above ground level. A broadband PCS antenna array is
categorically excluded if the total effective radiated power of all
channels operated by the licensee at a site (or all channels in any one
direction, in the case of sectorized antennas) is 2000 watts or less.
Like cellular, another way for a broadband PCS facility to be
categorically excluded is if it is [not]{.underline} mounted on a
building and the lowest point of the antenna is at least 10 meters
(about 33 feet) above ground level. The power threshold for categorical
exclusion is higher for broadband PCS than for cellular because
broadband PCS operates at a higher frequency where exposure limits are
less restrictive. For categorical exclusion thresholds for other
personal wireless services, consult Table 1 of Section
1.1307(b)(1).[^10]

For your convenience, we have developed the checklist in Appendix A that
may be used to streamline the process of determining whether a proposed
facility is categorically excluded.

You are encouraged to adopt the use of this checklist in your
jurisdiction, although such use is not mandatory.

###### B. What If An Applicant Or Licensee Wants To Exceed The Limits Shown In Illustration 3?

Any FCC applicant or licensee who wishes to construct or operate a
facility that, by itself or in combination with other sources of
emissions (*i.e.*, other transmitting antennas), may cause human
exposures in excess of the guideline limits [must]{.underline} file an
Environmental Assessment (EA) with the FCC. Where more than one antenna
is collocated (for example, on a single tower or rooftop or at a hilltop
site), the applicant must take into consideration [all]{.underline} of
the RF power transmitted by all of the antennas when determining maximum
exposure levels. Compliance at an existing site is the shared
responsibility of all licensees whose transmitters produce exposure
levels in excess of 5% of the applicable exposure limit. A new applicant
is responsible for compliance (or submitting an EA) at a multiple-use
site if the proposed transmitter would cause non-compliance and if it
would produce exposure levels in excess of 5% of the applicable
limit.[^11]

An applicant or licensee is [not]{.underline} permitted to construct or
operate a facility that would result in exposure in excess of the
guideline limits until the FCC has reviewed the EA and either found no
significant environmental impact, or pursued further environmental
processing including the preparation of a formal Environmental Impact
Statement. As a practical matter, however, this process is almost never
invoked for RF exposure issues because applicants and licensees normally
undertake corrective actions to ensure compliance with the guidelines
before submitting an application to the FCC.

Unless a facility is categorically excluded (explained above), the FCC's
rules [require]{.underline} a licensee to evaluate a proposed or
existing facility\'s compliance with the RF exposure guidelines and to
determine whether an EA is required. In the case of broadcast licensees,
who are required to obtain a construction permit from the FCC, this
evaluation is required [before]{.underline} the application for a
construction permit is filed, or the facility is constructed. In
addition, if a facility requires the filing of an EA for any reason
other than RF emissions, the RF evaluation must be performed before the
EA is filed. Factors [other]{.underline} than RF emissions that may
require the filing of an EA are set out in 47 C.F.R. § 1.1307(a).
Otherwise, new facilities that [do not]{.underline} require FCC-issued
construction permits should be evaluated before they are placed in
operation. The FCC also requires its licensees to evaluate existing
facilities and operations that are [not]{.underline} categorically
excluded if the licensee seeks to modify its facilities or renew its
license. These requirements are intended to enhance public safety by
requiring periodic site compliance reviews.

All facilities that were placed in service before October 15, 1997 (when
the current RF exposure guidelines became effective) are expected to
comply with the current guidelines no later than September 1, 2000, or
the date of a license renewal, whichever is earlier.[^12] If a facility
cannot meet the September 1, 2000, date, the licensee of that facility
[must]{.underline} file an EA by that date. Section 1.1307(b) of the
FCC's rules requires the licensee to provide the FCC with technical
information showing the basis for its determination of compliance upon
request.

**II. How the FCC Verifies Compliance with and Enforces Its Rules.**

**A. Procedures Upon Initial Construction, Modification, and Renewal.**

The FCC\'s procedures for verifying that a new facility, or a facility
that is the subject of a facility modification or license renewal
application, will comply with the RF exposure rules vary depending upon
the service involved. Applications for broadcast services (for example,
AM and FM stations, and television stations) are reviewed by the FCC\'s
Mass Media Bureau (MMB). As part of every relevant application, the MMB
requires an applicant to submit an explanation of what steps will be
taken to limit RF exposure and comply with FCC guidelines. The applicant
must certify that RF exposure procedures will be coordinated with all
collocated entities (usually other stations at a common transmitter site
or hill or mountain peak). If the submitted explanation does not
adequately demonstrate a facility\'s compliance with the guidelines, the
MMB will require additional supporting data before granting the
application.

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) reviews personal wireless
service applications (for cellular, PCS, SMR, etc.). For those services
that operate under blanket area licenses, including cellular and PCS,
the license application and renewal form require the applicant to
certify whether grant of the application would have a significant
environmental impact so as to require submission of an EA. The
applicant\'s answer to this question covers [all]{.underline} of the
facilities sites included within the area of the license.

For those services that continue to be licensed by site (*e.g*., certain
paging renewals), the WTB requires a similar certification on the
application form for each site. To comply with the FCC\'s rules, an
applicant must determine its own compliance before completing this
certification for every site that is not categorically excluded. The WTB
does not, however, routinely require the submission of any information
supporting the determination of compliance.

**B.** **Procedures For Responding To Complaints About Existing
Facilities.**

The FCC frequently receives inquiries from members of the public as to
whether a particular site complies with the RF exposure guidelines. Upon
receiving these inquiries, FCC staff may ask the inquiring party to
describe the site at issue. In many instances, the information provided
by the inquiring party does not raise any concern that the site could
exceed the limits in the guidelines. FCC staff will then inform the
inquiring party of this determination.

In some cases, the information provided by the inquiring party does not
preclude the possibility that the limits could be exceeded. Under these
circumstances, FCC staff may ask the licensee who operates the facility
to supply information demonstrating its compliance. FCC staff may also
inspect the site to determine whether it is accessible to the public,
and examine other relevant physical attributes. Usually, the information
obtained in this manner is sufficient to establish compliance. If
compliance is established in this way, FCC staff will inform the
inquiring party of this determination.

In some instances, a licensee may be unable to provide information
sufficient to establish compliance with the guideline limits. In these
cases, FCC staff may test the output levels of individual facilities and
evaluate the physical installation. Keep in mind, however, that
instances in which physical testing is necessary to verify compliance
are relatively rare.

If a site is found to be out of compliance with the RF guidelines, the
FCC will require the licensees at the site to remedy the situation.
Depending on the service and the nature and extent of the violation,
these remedies can include, for example, an immediate reduction in
power, a modification of safety barriers, or a modification of the
equipment or its installation. Actions necessary to bring a site into
compliance are the shared responsibility of all licensees whose
facilities cause exposures in that area that exceed 5% of the applicable
MPE limit. In addition, licensees may be subject to sanctions for
violating the FCC's rules and/or for misrepresentation.

The FCC is committed to responding fully, promptly, and accurately to
all inquiries regarding compliance with the RF exposure guidelines, and
to taking swift and appropriate action whenever the evidence suggests
potential noncompliance. To perform this function effectively, however,
the FCC needs accurate information about potentially problematic
situations. By applying the principles discussed in this guide about RF
emissions, exposure and the FCC's guidelines, state and local officials
can fulfill a vital role in identifying and winnowing out situations
that merit further attention.

**III. Practical Guidance Regarding Compliance.**

This section is intended to provide some general guidelines that can be
used to identify sites that should [not]{.underline} raise serious
questions about compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. Sites that
don\'t fall into the categories described here may still meet the
guidelines, but the determination of compliance will not be as
straightforward. In such cases, a detailed review may be required. The
tables and graphs shown in Appendix B are intended only to assist in
distinguishing sites that should not raise serious issues from sites
that may require further inquiry. They are [not]{.underline} intended
for use in identifying sites that are out of compliance. As noted above,
the factors that can affect exposure at any individual site,
particularly a site containing multiple facilities, are too numerous and
subtle to be practically encompassed within this framework.

Applying the basic principles discussed in this guide should allow you
to eliminate a large number of sites from further consideration with
respect to health concerns. You may find it useful to contact a
qualified radio engineer to assist you in your inquiry. Many larger
cities and counties, and most states, have radio engineers on staff or
under contract. In smaller jurisdictions, we recommend you seek initial
assistance from other jurisdictions, universities that have RF
engineering programs, or perhaps the engineer in charge of your local
broadcast station(s).

We\'ll exclude any discussion of broadcast sites. As explained before,
broadcast licensees are required to submit site‑specific information on
each facility to the FCC for review, and that information is publicly
available at the station as long as the application is pending. The
focus in this section is on personal wireless services, particularly
cellular and broadband PCS, the services that currently require the
largest numbers of new and modified facilities. Many other personal
wireless services, however, such as paging services, operate in
approximately the same frequency ranges as cellular and broadband PCS.
[^13] Much of the information here is broadly applicable to those
services as well, and specific information is provided in Appendix B for
paging and narrowband PCS operations over frequency bands between 901
and 940 MHz.

Finally, this section only addresses the general population/uncontrolled
exposure guidelines, since compliance with these guidelines generally
causes the most concern to state and local governments. Compliance with
occupational/controlled exposure limits should be examined
independently.

**A. Categorically Excluded Facilities.**

As a first step in evaluating a siting application for compliance with
the FCC's guidelines, you will probably want to consider whether the
facility is categorically excluded under the FCC's rules from routine
evaluation for compliance. The checklist in Appendix A will guide you in
making this determination. Because categorically excluded facilities are
unlikely to cause any exposure in excess of the FCC's guidelines,
determination that a facility is categorically excluded should generally
suffice to end the inquiry.

B. Single Facility Sites.

If a wireless telecommunications facility is not categorically excluded,
you may want to evaluate potential exposure using the methods discussed
below and the tables and figures in Appendix B. If you \"run the
numbers\" using the conservative approaches promoted in this paper and
the site in question does not exceed these values, then you generally
need look no further. Alternately, if the \"numbers\" don\'t pass
muster, you [may]{.underline} have a genuine concern. But remember,
there may be other factors (*i.e*., power level, height, blockages,
etc.) that contribute to whether the site complies with FCC guidelines.

Where a site contains only one antenna array, the maximum exposure at
any point in the horizontal plane can be predicted by calculations. The
tables and graphs in Appendix B show the maximum distances in the
horizontal plane from an antenna at which a person could possibly be
exposed in excess of the guidelines at various levels of effective
radiated power (ERP).[^14] [Thus, if people are not able to come closer
to an antenna than the applicable distance shown in Appendix B, there
should be no cause for concern about exposure exceeding the FCC
guidelines.]{.underline} The tables and graphs apply to the following
wireless antennas: (1) cellular omni-directional antennas (Table B1-1
and Figure B1-1); (2) cellular sectorized antennas (Table B1-2 and
Figure B1-2); (3) broadband PCS sectorized antennas (Table B1-3 and
Figure B1-3);[^15] and (4) high-power (900 MHz-band) paging antennas
(Table B1-4 and Figure B1-4). Table B1-4 and Figure B1-4 can also be
used for omni-directional, narrowband (900 MHz) PCS antennas. Note that
both tables and figures in Appendix B have been provided. In some cases
it may be easier to use a table to estimate exposure distances, but
figures may also be used when a more precise value is needed that may
not be listed in a table.

It\'s important to note that the predicted distances set forth in
Appendix B are based on a very conservative, "worst case" scenario. In
other words, Appendix B identifies the furthest distance from the
antenna that presents even a remote realistic possibility of RF exposure
that could exceed the FCC guidelines. The power levels are based on the
approximate maximum number of channels that an operator is likely to
operate at one site. It is further assumed that each channel operates
with the maximum power permitted under the FCC's rules and that all of
these channels are "on" simultaneously, an unlikely scenario. This is a
very conservative assumption. In reality, most sites operate at a
fraction of the maximum permissible power and many sites use fewer than
the maximum number of channels. Therefore, actual exposure levels would
be expected to be well below the predicted values. Another mitigating
factor could be the presence of intervening structures, such as walls,
that will reduce RF exposure by variable amounts. For all these reasons,
the values given in these tables and graphs are considered to be quite
conservative and should over‑predict actual exposure levels.

![](media/image6.wmf)

**Illustration 5**

Personal wireless service antennas typically do not emit high levels of
RF energy directed above or below the horizontal plane of the antenna.
Although the precise amount of energy transmitted outside the horizontal
plane will depend upon the type of antenna used, we are aware of no
wireless antennas that produce significant non‑horizontal transmissions.
Thus, exposures even a small distance below the horizontal plane of
these antennas would be significantly less than in the horizontal plane.
As discussed above, the tables and figures in Appendix B show distances
in the horizontal plane from typical antennas at which exposures could
potentially exceed the guidelines, assuming "worst case" operating
conditions at maximum possible power levels. In any direction other than
horizontal, including diagonal or straight down, these "worst case"
distances would be significantly less.

Where unidirectional antennas are used, exposure levels within or
outside the horizontal plane in directions other than those where the
antennas are aimed will typically be insignificant. In addition, many
new antennas are being designed with shielding capabilities to minimize
emissions in undesired directions.

**C. Multiple Facility Sites.**

Where multiple facilities are located at a single site, the FCC's rules
require the total exposure from all facilities to fall within the
guideline limits, unless an EA is filed and approved. In such cases,
however, calculations of predicted exposure levels and overall
evaluation of the site may become much more complicated. For example,
different transmitters at a site may operate different numbers of
channels, or the operating power per channel may vary from transmitter
to transmitter. Transmitters may also operate on different frequencies
(for example, one antenna array may belong to a PCS operator, while the
other belongs to a cellular operator). A large number of variables such
as these make the calculations more time consuming, and make it
difficult to apply a simple rule-of-thumb test. See the following
illustration.

![](media/image7.wmf)

Illustration 6

However, we can be overly conservative and estimate a \"worst case\"
exposure distance for compliance by assuming that the total power (e.g.,
ERP) of all transmitting antennas at the site is concentrated in the
antenna that is closest to the area in question. (In the illustration
above, this would be the antenna that is mounted lower on the building.)
Then the values in the tables and graphs in Appendix B may be used as if
this were the only antenna at the site, with radiated power equal to the
sum of the actual radiated power of all antennas at the site. Actual RF
exposure at any point will always be less than the exposure calculated
using these assumptions. [Thus, if people are not able to come closer to
a group of antennas than the applicable distance shown in Appendix B
using these assumptions, there should be no cause for concern about
exposure exceeding the FCC guidelines.]{.underline} This is admittedly
an extremely conservative procedure, but it may be of assistance in
making a \"first cut\" at eliminating sites from further consideration.

IV\. Conclusion.

We\'ve highlighted many of the most common concerns and questions raised
by the siting of wireless telecommunications and broadcast antennas.
Applying the principles outlined in this guide will allow you to make
initial conservative judgments about whether RF emissions are or should
be of concern, consistent with the FCC's rules.

As we have explained, when first evaluating a siting application for
compliance with the FCC's guidelines, you will probably want to consider
whether the facility is categorically excluded under the FCC's rules
from routine evaluation for compliance. The checklist in Appendix A will
guide you in making this determination. Because categorically excluded
facilities are unlikely to cause any exposure in excess of the FCC's
guidelines, determination that a facility is categorically excluded
should generally suffice to end the inquiry.

If a wireless telecommunications facility is not categorically excluded,
you may want to evaluate potential exposure using the methods discussed
in Part III of this paper and the tables and figures in Appendix B. If
the site in question does not exceed the values, then you generally need
look no further. Alternately, if the values don\'t pass muster, you
[may]{.underline} have a genuine concern. But remember, there may be
other factors (*i.e*., power level, height, blockages, etc.) that
contribute to whether the site complies with FCC guidelines.

If you have questions about compliance, your initial point of
exploration should be with the facilities operator in question. That
operator is required to understand the FCC's rules and to know how to
apply them in specific cases at specific sites. If, after diligently
pursuing answers from the operator, you still have genuine questions
regarding compliance, you should contact the FCC at one of the numbers
listed below. Provision of the information identified in the checklist
in Appendix A may assist the FCC in evaluating your inquiry.

General Information: Compliance and Information Bureau, (888) CALL-FCC

> Concerns About RF Emissions Exposure at a Particular Site: Office of
> Engineering and Technology, RF Safety Program, phone (202) 418-2464,
> FAX (202) 418-1918, e-mail <rfsafety@fcc.gov>
>
> Licensing and Site Information Regarding Wireless Telecommunications
> Services: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Commercial Wireless
> Division, (202) 418-0620
>
> Licensing and Site Information Regarding Broadcast Radio Services:
> Mass Media Bureau, Audio Services Division, (202) 418-2700
>
> Licensing and Site Information Regarding Television Service (Including
> DTV): Mass Media Bureau, Video Services Division, (202) 418-1600

Also, note that the RF Safety Program Web site is a valuable source of
general information on the topic of potential biological effects and
hazards of RF energy. For example, OET recently updated its OET Bulletin
56 ("Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential
Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields"). This latest version
is available from the program and can be accessed and downloaded from
the FCC\'s web site at:

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### APPENDIX A

##### Optional Checklist for Determination 

***Of Whether a Facility is Categorically Excluded***

####### Optional Checklist for Local Government

**To Determine Whether a Facility is Categorically Excluded**

Purpose: The FCC has determined that many wireless facilities are
unlikely to cause human exposures in excess of RF exposure guidelines.
Operators of those facilities are exempt from routinely having to
determine their compliance. These facilities are termed \"categorically
excluded.\" Section 1.1307(b)(1) of the Commission\'s rules defines
those categorically excluded facilities. This checklist will assist
state and local government agencies in identifying those wireless
facilities that are categorically excluded, and thus are highly unlikely
to cause exposure in excess of the FCC's guidelines. Provision of the
information identified on this checklist may also assist FCC staff in
evaluating any inquiry regarding a facility's compliance with the RF
exposure guidelines.

###### BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.  Facility Operator's Legal Name:

2.  Facility Operator's Mailing Address:

3.  Facility Operator's Contact Name/Title:

4.  Facility Operator's Office Telephone:

5.  Facility Operator's Fax:

6.  Facility Name:

7.  Facility Address:

8.  Facility City/Community:

9.  Facility State and Zip Code:

10. Latitude:

11. Longitude:

continue

**Optional Local Government** **Checklist (page 2)**

###### EVALUATION OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

12. Licensed Radio Service (see attached Table 1):

13. Structure Type (free-standing or building/roof-mounted):

14. Antenna Type \[omnidirectional or directional (includes sectored)\]:

15. Height above ground of the lowest point of the antenna (in meters):

16. Check if [all]{.underline} of the following are true:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
(a) This facility will be operated in the Multipoint Distribution
    Service, Paging and Radiotelephone Service, Cellular Radiotelephone
    Service, Narrowband or Broadband Personal Communications Service,
    Private Land Mobile Radio Services Paging Operations, Private Land
    Mobile Radio Service Specialized Mobile Radio, Local Multipoint
    Distribution Service, or service regulated under Part 74, Subpart I
    (see question 12).

(b) This facility will [not]{.underline} be mounted on a building (see
    question 13).

(c) The lowest point of the antenna will be at least 10 meters above the
    ground (see question

> 15).

If box 16 is checked, this facility is categorically excluded and is
unlikely to cause exposure in excess of the FCC's guidelines. The
remainder of the checklist need not be completed. If box 16 is not
checked, continue to question 17.

17. Enter the power threshold for categorical exclusion for this service
    from the attached Table 1 in watts ERP or EIRP[^16] (note: EIRP =
    (1.64) X ERP):

18. Enter the total number of channels if this will be an
    omnidirectional antenna, or the maximum number of channels in any
    sector if this will be a sectored antenna:

19. Enter the ERP or EIRP per channel (using the same units as in
    question 17):

20. Multiply answer 18 by answer 19:

21. Is the answer to question 20 less than or equal to the value from
    question 17 (yes or no)?

If the answer to question 21 is YES, this facility is categorically
excluded. It is unlikely to cause exposure in excess of the FCC's
guidelines.

If the answer to question 21 is NO, this facility is not categorically
excluded. Further investigation may be appropriate to verify whether the
facility may cause exposure in excess of the FCC's guidelines.

[TABLE 1]{.underline}: TRANSMITTERS, FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS SUBJECT
TO ROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| SERVICE (TITLE 47 CFR RULE PART)  | EVALUATION REQUIRED IF:           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Experimental Radio Services       | power \> 100 W ERP (164 W EIRP)   |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 5)                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Multipoint Distribution Service   | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
| (subpart K of part 21)            | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} power \> 1640 W |
|                                   | EIRP                              |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | power \> 1640 W EIRP              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Paging and Radiotelephone Service | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
| (subpart E of part 22)            | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} power \> 1000 W |
|                                   | ERP (1640 W EIRP)                 |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | power \> 1000 W ERP (1640 W EIRP) |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Cellular Radiotelephone Service   | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
| (subpart H of part 22)            | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} total power of  |
|                                   | all channels \> 1000 W ERP (1640  |
|                                   | W EIRP)                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | total power of all channels \>    |
|                                   | 1000 W ERP (1640 W EIRP)          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| TABLE 1 (cont.)                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| SERVICE (TITLE 47 CFR RULE PART)  | EVALUATION REQUIRED IF:           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Personal Communications Services  | \(1\) Narrowband PCS (subpart D): |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 24)                         | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
|                                   | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} total power of  |
|                                   | all channels \> 1000 W ERP (1640  |
|                                   | W EIRP)                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | total power of all channels \>    |
|                                   | 1000 W ERP (1640 W EIRP)          |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | \(2\) Broadband PCS (subpart E):  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
|                                   | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} total power of  |
|                                   | all channels \> 2000 W ERP (3280  |
|                                   | W EIRP)                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | total power of all channels \>    |
|                                   | 2000 W ERP (3280 W EIRP)          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Satellite Communications          | all included                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 25)                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| General Wireless Communications   | total power of all channels \>    |
| Service                           | 1640 W EIRP                       |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 26)                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Wireless Communications Service   | total power of all channels \>    |
|                                   | 1640 W EIRP                       |
| (part 27)                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Radio Broadcast Services          | all included                      |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 73)                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| TABLE 1 (cont.)                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| SERVICE (TITLE 47 CFR RULE PART)  | EVALUATION REQUIRED IF:           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Experimental, auxiliary, and      | subparts A, G, L: power \> 100 W  |
| special                           | ERP                               |
|                                   |                                   |
| broadcast and other program       | subpart I:                        |
|                                   |                                   |
| distributional services           | [non-building-mounted             |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
| (part 74)                         | above ground level to lowest      |
|                                   | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} power \> 1640 W |
|                                   | EIRP                              |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | power \> 1640 W EIRP              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Stations in the Maritime Services | ship earth stations only          |
|                                   |                                   |
| (part 80)                         |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Private Land Mobile Radio         | [non-building-mounted             |
| Services                          | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
|                                   | above ground level to lowest      |
| Paging Operations                 | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} power \> 1000 W |
| (part 90)                         | ERP (1640 W EIRP)                 |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: power \>   |
|                                   | 1000 W ERP (1640 W EIRP)          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Private Land Mobile Radio         | [non-building-mounted             |
| Services                          | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
|                                   | above ground level to lowest      |
| Specialized Mobile Radio          | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} total power of  |
| (part 90)                         | all channels \> 1000 W ERP (1640  |
|                                   | W EIRP)                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}:            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | total power of all channels \>    |
|                                   | 1000 W ERP (1640 W EIRP)          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| TABLE 1 (cont.)                   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| SERVICE (TITLE 47 CFR RULE PART)  | EVALUATION REQUIRED IF:           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Amateur Radio Service             | transmitter output power \>       |
|                                   | levels specified in § 97.13(c)(1) |
| (part 97)                         | of this chapter                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Local Multipoint Distribution     | [non-building-mounted             |
| Service                           | antennas]{.underline}: height     |
|                                   | above ground level to lowest      |
| (subpart L of part 101)           | point of antenna \< 10 m          |
|                                   | [and]{.underline} power \> 1640 W |
|                                   | EIRP                              |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | [building-mounted                 |
|                                   | antennas]{.underline}: power \>   |
|                                   | 1640 W EIRP                       |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | LMDS licensees are required to    |
|                                   | attach a label to subscriber      |
|                                   | transceiver antennas that: (1)    |
|                                   | provides adequate notice          |
|                                   | regarding potential               |
|                                   | radiofrequency safety hazards,    |
|                                   | *e.g.,* information regarding the |
|                                   | safe minimum separation distance  |
|                                   | required between users and        |
|                                   | transceiver antennas; and (2)     |
|                                   | references the applicable         |
|                                   | FCC-adopted limits for            |
|                                   | radiofrequency exposure specified |
|                                   | in § 1.1310 of this chapter.      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

**^APPENDIX^ ^B^**

***^Estimated\ \"Worst\ Case\"\ Distances\ that\ Should\ be^
^Maintained\ from\ ^***

***^Single\ Cellular,\ PCS,\ and\ Paging\ Base\ Station\ Antennas^***

Table B1-1. Estimated \"worst case\" horizontal\* distances that should
be maintained from a single, omni-directional, **cellular base-station**
antenna to meet FCC RF exposure guidelines

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  Effective Radiated      Effective Isotropic     
  Power (watts) per       Radiated Power (watts)  
  channel based on        per channel based on a  
  maximum total of 96     maximum total of 96     
  channels per antenna    channels per            
                          antennaHorizontal\*     
                          distance (feet) that    
                          should be maintained    
                          from a single           
                          omni-directional        
                          cellular antenna        

  ^0.5^                   0.82                    ^3.4^

  ^1^                     1.6                     ^4.8^

  ^5^                     8.2                     ^10.8^

  ^10^                    16.4                    ^15.2^

  ^25^                    41                      ^24.1^

  ^50^                    82                      ^34.1^

  ^100^                   164                     ^48.2^
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

^For\ intermediate\ values\ not\ shown\ on\ this\ table,\ please\ refer\ to\ the\ Figure\ B1-1^\
\
^\*These\ distances\ are\ based\ on\ exposure\ at\ same\ level\ as\ the\ antenna,\ for\ example,\ on\ a\ rooftop\ or\ in\ a\ building\ directly\ across\ from\ and\ at\ the\ same\ height\ as\ the\ antenna.^

^Note:\ These\ estimates\ are\ worst\ case,\ assuming\ an\ omnidirectional\ antenna\ using\ 96\ channels.\ If\ the\ systems\ are\ using\ fewer\ channels,\ the^
^actual\ horizontal\ distances\ that\ must\ be\ maintained\ will\ be\ less.\ Cellular\ omnidirectional^
^antennas^ ^transmit^ ^more^ ^or^ ^less^ ^equally^ ^from^ ^the^
^antenna^ ^in^ ^all^ ^horizontal^ ^directions^ ^and^ ^transmit^
^relatively^ ^little^ ^energy^ ^directly^ ^toward^ ^the^
^ground.\ Therefore,^ ^these^ ^distances^ ^are^ ^even^ ^more^
^conservative^ ^for^ ^"non-horizontal"^ ^distances,^ ^for^ ^example,^
^distances^ ^directly^ ^below^ ^an^ ^antenna.^

![](media/image8.wmf)

^Table\ B1-2.\ Estimated\ \"worst\ case\"\ horizontal\*\ distances\ that\ should\ be\ maintained\ from\ a\ single,\ sectorized,\ **cellular\ base-station**\ antenna\ to\ meet\ FCC\ RF\ exposure\ guidelines^

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^Eff                  | Effective Isotropic   |                       |
| ective\ Radiated\ Pow |                       |                       |
| er\ (watts)\ per\ cha | Radiated Power        |                       |
| nnel\ based\ on\ maxi | (watts) per           |                       |
| mum\ total\ of\ 21\ c |                       |                       |
| hannels\ per\ sector^ | channel based on      |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | maximum total of 21   |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | channels per          |                       |
|                       | sector^Horizontal     |                       |
|                       | \*\ distance\ (feet)^ |                       |
|                       | that should be        |                       |
|                       | maintained            |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | ^from\                |                       |
|                       |  a\ single\ sectorize |                       |
|                       | d\ cellular\ antenna^ |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^0.5^                 | 0.82                  | ^1.6^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^1^                   | 1.6                   | ^2.3^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^5^                   | 8.2                   | ^5^                   |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^10^                  | 16.4                  | ^7.1^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^25^                  | 41                    | ^11.3^                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^50^                  | 82                    | ^16^                  |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^100^                 | 164                   | ^22.6^                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

^For\ intermediate\ values\ not\ shown\ on\ this\ table,\ please\ refer\ to\ the\ Figure\ B1-2^

^\*These\ distances\ are\ based\ on\ exposure\ at\ same\ level\ as\ the\ antenna,\ for\ example,\ on\ a\ rooftop\ or\ in\ a\ building\ directly\ across\ from\ and\ at\ the\ same\ height\ as\ the\ antenna.^

^Note:\ These\ estimates\ are\ \"worst\ case,\"\ assuming\ a\ sectorized\ antenna\ using\ 21\ channels.\ If\ the\ systems\ are\ using\ fewer\ channels,\ the\ actual\ horizontal\ distances\ that\ must\ be\ maintained\ will\ be\ less.^
^Cellular\ sectorized^ ^antennas^ ^transmit^ ^more^ ^or^
^less\ in\ one\ direction\ from\ the\ antenna\ in\ a\ horizontal\ direction\ and\ transmit\ relatively\ little\ energy\ directly\ toward\ the\ ground.^

^Therefore,^ ^these^ ^distances^ ^are^ ^even^ ^more^ ^conservative^
^for^ ^"non-horizontal"^ ^distances,^ ^for^ ^example,^ ^distances^
^directly^ ^below^ ^an^ ^antenna.^

![](media/image9.wmf)

^Table\ B1-3.\ Estimated\ \"worst\ case\"\ horizontal\*\ distances\ that\ should\ be\ maintained\ from\ a\ single\ sectorized^
^**Broadband\ PCS\ base\ station**\ antenna\ to\ meet\ FCC\ RF\ exposure\ guidelines^

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^Eff                  | Effective Isotropic   |                       |
| ective\ Radiated\ Pow |                       |                       |
| er\ (watts)\ per\ cha | Radiated Power        |                       |
| nnel\ based\ on\ maxi | (watts) per           |                       |
| mum\ total\ of\ 21\ c |                       |                       |
| hannels\ per\ sector^ | channel based on      |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | maximum total of 21   |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | channels per          |                       |
|                       | sector^Horizontal     |                       |
|                       | \*\ distance\ (feet)^ |                       |
|                       | that should be        |                       |
|                       | maintained            |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
|                       | ^from\ a\ si          |                       |
|                       | ngle\ sectorized\ Bro |                       |
|                       | adband\ PCS\ antenna^ |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^0.5^                 | 0.82                  | ^1.2^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^1^                   | 1.6                   | ^1.7^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^5^                   | 8.2                   | ^3.8^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^10^                  | 16.4                  | ^5.4^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^25^                  | 41                    | ^8.6^                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^50^                  | 82                    | ^12.1^                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^100^                 | 164                   | ^17.2^                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

^For\ intermediate\ values\ not\ shown\ on\ this\ table,\ please\ refer\ to\ the\ Figure\ B1-3^

^\*These\ distances\ are\ based\ on\ exposure\ at\ same\ level\ as\ the\ antenna,\ for\ example,\ on\ a\ rooftop\ or\ in\ a\ building\ directly\ across\ from\ and\ at\ the\ same\ height\ as\ the\ antenna.^

^Note:\ These\ estimates\ are\ \"worst\ case,\"\ assuming\ a\ sectorized\ antenna\ using\ 21\ channels.\ If\ the\ system\ is\ using\ fewer\ than\ 21\ channels,\ the\ actual\ horizontal\ distances\ that\ must\ be\ maintained\ will\ be\ less.^
^PCS^ ^sectorized^ ^antennas^ ^transmit^ ^more^ ^or^ ^less^ ^in^ ^one^
^direction^ ^from^ ^the^ ^antenna^ ^in^ ^a^ ^horizontal^ ^direction^
^and^ ^transmit^ ^relatively^ ^little^ ^energy^ ^directly^ ^toward^
^the^ ^ground.^

^Therefore,^ ^these^ ^distances^ ^are^ ^even^ ^more^ ^conservative^
^for^ ^"non-horizontal"^ ^distances,^ ^for^ ^example,^ ^distances^
^directly^ ^below^ ^an^ ^antenna.^

![](media/image10.wmf)

^Table\ B1-4.\ Estimated\ \"worst\ case\"\ horizontal\*\ distances\ that\ should\ be\ maintained\ from\ a\ single^
^omnidirectional\ **paging**\ or\ **narrowband\ PCS**\ antenna^
^to\ meet\ FCC\ RF\ exposure\ guidelines.\ Note:\ this\ table\ and\ the\ associated\ figure\ only\ apply\ to\ the\ 900-940\ MHz\ band;\ paging\ antennas\ at\ other\ frequencies\ are\ subject\ to\ different\ values.^

+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| ^Effective\ Radi     | Effective Isotropic  |                       |
| ated\ Power\ (watts) |                      |                       |
| \ based\ on\ one\ ch | Radiated Power       |                       |
| annel\ per\ antenna^ | (watts)              |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
|                      | ^Horizontal\         |                       |
|                      | *\ distance\ (feet)^ |                       |
|                      | that should be       |                       |
|                      | maintained           |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
|                      | ^from\ a\ single^    |                       |
|                      | ^omnidirectiona      |                       |
|                      | l\ paging\ or\ narro |                       |
|                      | wband\ PCS\ antenna^ |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 50                   | 82                   | 3.4                   |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 100                  | 164                  | 4.8                   |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 250                  | 410                  | 7.5                   |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 500                  | 820                  | 10.6                  |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 1,000                | 1,640                | 15.1                  |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 2,000                | 3,280                | 21.3                  |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 3,500                | 5,740                | 28\. 2                |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+

^For\ intermediate\ values\ not\ shown\ on\ this\ table,\ please\ refer\ to\ the\ Figure\ B1-4^

^\*These\ distances\ are\ based\ on\ exposure\ at\ same\ level\ as\ the\ antenna,\ for\ example,\ on\ a\ rooftop\ or\ in\ a\ building\ directly\ across\ from\ and\ at\ the\ same\ height\ as\ the\ antenna.^

^Note:\ These\ distances\ assume\ only\ one\ frequency\ (channel)\ per\ antenna.\ Distances\ would\ be\ greater\ if\ more\ than\ one\ channel\ is\ used\ per\ antenna.\ Omnidirectional\ paging\ and\ narrowband\ PCS\ antennas\ transmit\ more\ or\ less\ equally\ from\ the\ antenna\ in\ all\ horizontal\ directions\ and\ transmit\ relatively\ little\ energy\ toward\ the\ ground.^
^Therefore,\ these\ distances\ are\ even\ more\ conservative\ for\ "non-horizontal"\ distances,\ for\ example,\ distances\ directly\ below\ an\ antenna.^

![](media/image11.wmf)

####### APPENDIX C

***Text of 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)***

\(7\) PRESERVATION OF LOCAL ZONING AUTHORITY.

(A) GENERAL AUTHORITY. Except as provided in this paragraph, nothing in
    this Act shall limit or affect the authority of a State or local
    government or instrumentality thereof over decisions regarding the
    placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless
    service facilities.

(B) LIMITATIONS.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
(i) The regulation of the placement, construction, and modification of
    personal wireless service facilities by and State or local
    government or instrumentality thereof (I) shall not unreasonably
    discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services;
    and (II) shall not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the
    provision of personal wireless services.

(ii) A State or local government or instrumentality thereof shall act on
     any request for authorization to place, construct, or modify
     personal wireless service facilities within a reasonable period of
     time after the request is duly filed with such government or
     instrumentality, taking into account the nature and scope of such
     request.

(iii) Any decision by a State or local government or instrumentality
      thereof to deny a request to place, construct, or modify personal
      wireless service facilities shall be in writing and supported by
      substantial evidence contained in a written record.

(iv) No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may
     regulate the placement, construction, or modification of personal
     wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental
     effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such
     facilities comply with the Commission's regulations concerning such
     emissions.

(v) Any person adversely affected by any final action or failure to act
    by a State or local government or any instrumentality thereof that
    is inconsistent with this subparagraph may, within 30 days after
    such action or failure to act, commence an action in any court of
    competent jurisdiction. The court shall hear and decide such action
    on an expedited basis. Any person adversely affected by an act or
    failure to act by a State or local government or any instrumentality
    thereof that is inconsistent with clause (iv) may petition the
    Commission for relief.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
(C) DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this paragraph

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
(i) the term "personal wireless services" means commercial mobile
    services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless
    exchange access services;

(ii) the term "personal wireless service facilities" means facilities
     for the provision of personal wireless services; and

(iii) the term "unlicensed wireless service" means the offering of
      telecommunications service using duly authorized devices which do
      not require individual licenses, but does not mean the provision
      of direct-to-home satellite services (as defined in section
      303(v)).

[^1]: This guide is intended to complement, but not to replace, the
    FCC\'s OET Bulletin 65, "Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines
    for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," August
    1997. Bulletin 65 can be obtained from the FCC's Office of
    Engineering and Technology (phone: 202-418-2464 or e-mail:
    rfsafety@fcc.gov). Bulletin 65 can also be accessed and downloaded
    from the FCC's "RF Safety" website: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety.

[^2]: See *Cellular Phone Taskforce v. FCC*, 205 F.3d 82 (2d Cir. 2000).

[^3]: ^?^ 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7). Under limited circumstances, the FCC
    also plays a role in the siting of wireless facilities.
    Specifically, the FCC reviews applications for facilities that fall
    within certain environmental categories under the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), *see* 47 C.F.R. §
    1.1307(a). Antenna structures that are over 200 feet in height or
    located near airport runways must be marked or lighted as specified
    by the Federal Aviation Administration and must be registered with
    the FCC, *see* 47 C.F.R. Part 17.

[^4]: Section 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act is identical to
    Section 704(a) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

[^5]: "Personal wireless services" generally includes wireless
    telecommunications services that are interconnected with the public
    telephone network and are offered commercially to the public.
    Examples include cellular and similar services (such as Personal
    Communications Service or "PCS"), paging and similar services,
    certain dispatch services, and services that use wireless technology
    to provide telephone service to a fixed location such as a home or
    office.

[^6]: Power travels from a transmitter through cable or other connecting
    device to the radiating antenna. "Operating power of the
    transmitting station" refers to the power that is fed from the
    transmitter (transmitter output power) into the cable or connecting
    device. "Actual power radiated from the antenna" is the transmitter
    output power [minus]{.underline} the power lost (power losses) in
    the connecting device [plus]{.underline} an apparent increase in
    power (if any) due to the design of the antenna. Radiated power is
    often specified in terms of "effective radiated power" or "ERP" or
    "effective isotropic radiated power" or "EIRP" (see footnote 14).

[^7]: ^?^ Thus, by way of illustration, it takes 100,000 milliwatts of
    power to fully illuminate a 100 watt light bulb.

[^8]: "The appropriate exposure limits . . . are generally applicable to
    all facilities, operations and transmitters regulated by the
    Commission. However, a determination of compliance with the exposure
    limits . . . (routine environmental evaluation), and preparation of
    an EA if the limits are exceeded, is necessary only for facilities,
    operations and transmitters that fall into the categories listed in
    table 1 \[of §1.1307\], or those specified in paragraph (b)(2) of
    this section. All other facilities, operations and transmitters are
    categorically excluded from making studies or preparing an EA . . ."

[^9]: See 47 C.F.R §1.1307(c) and (d).

[^10]: Table 1 of §1.1307(b)(1) is reproduced in Appendix A to this
    guide.

[^11]: For more information, see OET Bulletin 65, or see 47 CFR
    §1.1307(b)(3).

[^12]: Prior to October 15, 1997, the Commission applied a different set
    of substantive guidelines.

[^13]: The major exception is fixed wireless services, which often
    operate at much higher frequencies. In addition, some paging and
    other licensees operate at lower frequencies

[^14]: ERP is the apparent [effective]{.underline} amount of power
    leaving the transmit antenna. The ERP is determined by factors
    including but not limited to transmitter output power, coaxial line
    loss between the transmitter and the antenna, and the \"gain\"
    (focusing effect) of the antenna. In some cases, power may also be
    expressed in terms of EIRP (effective isotropically radiated power).
    Therefore, for convenience, the tables in Appendix B also include a
    column for EIRP. ERP and EIRP are related by the mathematical
    expression: (1.64) X ERP = EIRP.

[^15]: Because broadband PCS antennas are virtually always sectorized,
    no information is provided for omni-directional PCS antennas.

[^16]: ^^\"ERP\" means \"effective radiated power\" and \"EIRP\" means
    \"effective isotropic radiated power