As a matter of practicality, you are probably correcting in saying the Telecom Act of 1996 cannot successfully rule out health based decisions on siting base station antennas - however, the companies still have a tremendous intimidation advantage. Tell the town that there is a possible alternative, but it just happens to be in the middle of the downtown shopping area or some other area that seems to the town to have to be kept inviolate at all costs. In that case, a water tank that is less than 100 feet from several large two story houses is to be festooned with antennas underneath the broad part of the tank. The point I am trying to make is that advisors such as city attorneys usually take the path of least likelihood of a harsh lawsuit against their clients, and the telecommunication companies still know how to intimidate. Zoning rights are paramount.
Rights are paramount.