Source: https://transition.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Notices/1997/fcc97296.html
Timestamp: 2016-08-29 16:30:16
Document Index: 164299107

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 601', '§ 154', '§\n603', '§\n154', '§ 601', '§ 601', '§ 632', '§ 601', '§ 603', '§ 1', '§ 309', '§ 151', '§ 332', '§ 332', '§ 332', '§ 337', '§ 152', '§ 336', '§ 151', '§ 157', 'art 73', '§ 25', '§ 601', '§ 601', '§ 121', '§ 121']

FCC 97-296, MM Docket No. 97-182
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FCC 97-296
Preemption of State and Local Zoning and)MM Docket No. 97-182
Land Use Restrictions on the Siting,)
Placement and Construction of Broadcast)
Station Transmission Facilities)
Adopted: August 18, 1997
Comment Date: October 30, 1997
Reply Comment Date: December 1, 1997
1.	The Commission is undertaking this proceeding to consider whether and in what
circumstances to preempt certain state and local zoning and land use ordinances which present an
obstacle to the rapid implementation of digital television ("DTV") service. Such ordinances may also
serve to unduly inhibit the resiting of antennas made necessary by the implementation of DTV or
stand as an obstacle to the institution and improvement of radio and television broadcast service
generally. This issue has been brought before the Commission in a "Petition for Further Notice of
Proposed Rule Making" filed jointly by the National Association of Broadcasters ("NAB") and the
Association for Maximum Service Television ("Petitioners").(1) While that Petition raises a number
of issues crucial to the successful roll-out of digital television, it also raises a number of questions
concerning the scope of any preemption of state and local laws and ordinances and the need to
exercise that authority. II. Background 2. In our Fifth Report and Order in the DTV proceeding, we adopted an accelerated
schedule for construction of DTV transmission facilities to ensure the preservation of a
universally available, free local broadcasting service and the swift recovery of broadcast
spectrum. Under the construction schedule set forth in the Fifth Report and Order, affiliates
of the top four networks in the top 10 markets are required to be on the air with digital signals
by May 1, 1999. Affiliates of the top four networks in markets 11 - 30 must be on the air by
November 1, 1999. Under this schedule, more than half of all television households will have
access to multiple channels of digital broadcast television programming by November 1, 1999.
All other commercial stations are required to construct their DTV facilities by May 1, 2002, and all noncommercial stations must construct their DTV facilities by May 1, 2003.(2) Subject
to biennial review, and certain statutory exceptions, the current target date for all stations'
return of their analog spectrum is 2006.(3) 3.	Petitioners state that this accelerated DTV transition schedule will require
extensive and concentrated tower construction. They estimate that 66 percent of existing
television broadcasters will require new or upgraded towers to support DTV service, involving
an estimated 1000 television towers. Moreover, they state, as a result of the increased weight
and windloading of DTV facilities and other tower constraints, a number of FM broadcast
stations which have collocated their FM antennas on television towers will be forced to
relocate to other existing towers or to construct new transmission facilities.
4.	In addition to the logistical problems of modifying and constructing a significant
number of towers (e.g., scarcity of construction crews, weather delays, supply shortages),
Petitioners state that there "is an array of obstacles arising from state and local regulation of
tower siting and construction" including environmental assessments, "fall radius," collocation
and marking/lighting requirements, and concerns with interference to other electronic devices.(4)
Petitioners are particularly concerned with the delays resulting from the administration of such
restrictions, noting that multiple levels of review can last for several months, and that when
appeals are involved, the process can take several years.(5)
5. In order to meet the Commission's DTV construction schedule, Petitioners ask the
Commission to adopt a rule that would permit the Commission to preempt state and local
zoning and other land use regulations to the extent they unreasonably prohibit or delay the
DTV roll-out and other ongoing broadcast transmission facilities construction. They argue
that the Commission has the legal authority to engage in such preemption where it is pursuing
an objective within the scope of its Congressionally delegated authority and non-federal
regulation stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of that objective. Both
criteria, Petitioners assert, are present in the instant matter. 6. Petitioners propose a rule which provides specific time limits for state and local
government action in response to requests for approval of the placement, construction or
modification of broadcast transmission facilities. The rule proposed by the Petitioners,
attached as Appendix B, would require action within 21 days with respect to requests to
modify existing broadcast transmission facilities where no change in location or overall height
is proposed or to strengthen or replace an existing broadcast transmission facility. Action
would be required within 30 days with respect to requests to relocate existing broadcast
transmission facilities from a currently approved location to another location within 300 feet,
to consolidate two or more broadcast transmission facilities at a common tower or other
structure or to increase the height of an existing tower. All other requests would have to be
acted upon within 45 days.(6) Failure to act within these time limits would cause the request to
be deemed granted. 7. Additionally, the requested rule would remove from local consideration certain
types of restrictions on the siting and construction of transmission facilities. Petitioners would
categorically preempt regulations based on the environmental or health effects of radio
frequency ("RF") emissions to the extent a broadcast facility has been determined by the
Commission to comply with its regulations and policies concerning emissions; interference
with other telecommunications signals and consumer electronics devices as long as the
broadcast antenna facility has been determined by the Commission to comply with its
applicable regulations and/or policies concerning interference; and tower marking and lighting
requirements provided that the facility has been determined by the Commission or the Federal
Aviation Administration to comply with applicable tower lighting, painting and marking
regulations or policies.
8. Further, the rule would preempt all state and local land use, building, and similar
laws, rules or regulations that impair the ability of licensed broadcasters to place, construct or
modify their transmission facilities unless the promulgating authority can demonstrate that the
regulation is reasonable in relation to a clearly defined and expressly stated health or safety
objective other than the categorical preemptions described above. 9. To provide for expeditious review, the Petitioners' proposed rule requires that any
state or local government decision denying a request be in writing, supported by substantial
evidence, and delivered to all applicants within 5 days.(7) Any broadcaster adversely affected
by any such action could, within 30 days of the decision, petition the Commission for a
declaratory ruling on which the Commission, in turn, would have 30 days in which to act.(8) The rule would also authorize the Commission to administer dispute resolution. III. Discussion 10.	In the Fifth Report and Order, we found that an accelerated roll-out of digital
television was essential for four reasons. We found that absent a speedy roll-out, other digital
television services might achieve levels of penetration that could preclude the success of over-the-air digital television, leaving viewers without a free, universally available digital
programming service.(9) Second, we determined that a rapid construction period would promote
DTV's competitive strength internationally, spurring the American economy in terms of
manufacturing, trade, technological development, international investment, and job growth.(10) Third, we stated that "an aggressive construction schedule helps to offset possible disincentives
that any individual broadcaster may have to begin digital transmissions quickly."(11) Finally,
we found that a rapid build-out would work to ensure that the recovery of broadcast spectrum
occurs as quickly as possible.(12) This will enable the federal government to reallocate some of
the recovered spectrum for public safety purposes, and to eventually auction the rest.(13) 11.	To achieve these purposes, we instituted an "aggressive but reasonable"
construction schedule, aimed at exposing as many homes to DTV as early as possible.(14) In the
Fifth Report and Order, we noted that circumstances beyond a broadcaster's control, such as
difficulties in obtaining zoning and other approvals, may interfere with its ability to meet
construction schedule requirements.(15) We are, however, also sensitive to the important state
and local roles in zoning and land use matters and their longstanding interest in the protection
and welfare of their citizenry. Given the countervailing importance of accelerated construction
of DTV transmission facilities, however, we seek to define those circumstances in which it
may be necessary to preempt state and local regulations in order to achieve the benefits of a
rapid roll-out of DTV.
12.	As a preliminary matter, we note that it is well settled that the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended ("Communications Act"), comprehensively provides for regulation
of radio frequency interference and that the FCC has exclusive jurisdiction to resolve such
questions.(16) With regard to interference affecting home consumer equipment in particular, Congress plainly stated in the 1982 amendments to the Communications Act that it intended
federal regulation to completely occupy the field to the exclusion of local and state
governments.(17) Thus, a rule preempting state and local zoning regulations based on
electromagnetic interference would simply codify the existing state of the law. With respect
to other aspects of the proposed rule --- preemption of state and local zoning restrictions based
on environmental or health effects of RF emissions, tower lighting, painting and marking, and
health, safety and traditional land use powers -- we have authority to preempt where state or
local law, among other things, stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of
the full objectives of Congress(18) or where we find preemption is "necessary to achieve [our]
purposes" within the scope of our delegated authority.(19)
13.	Congress explicitly indicated its objective of a speedy recovery of spectrum in
Section 336(c) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, "Recovery of License."(20) That section
requires that the Commission establish as a condition of granting a DTV license the return of
either that license or the original license held by the licensee "for reallocation or reassignment
(or both) pursuant to Commission regulation." As indicated above, the Commission found that
a speedy conversion would enhance the likelihood of success for the DTV roll-out and allow
for the rapid recovery of spectrum. The Commission determined that a lethargic conversion
would, to the contrary, undermine the potential for a successful conversion and thereby
undermine the potential for such a recovery, as sought by Congress. The Commission also
determined that the prompt, broad availability of DTV to the American public was an
important public interest goal.(21) 14.	Delays in local zoning and land use decisions would hold up the construction of
an essential part of the DTV transmission system and make it impossible for a licensee to
satisfy the construction requirement to transmit "a DTV signal strong enough to encompass
the community of license," by the required deadline.(22) This could leave broadcasters unable
to "give a great number of viewers access to a DTV signal in a very short period."(23) To the
extent that state and local ordinances result in delays that make it impossible for broadcasters
to meet our construction schedule and provide DTV service to the public, important
Congressional and FCC objectives regarding prompt availability of this service to the public
and prompt recovery of spectrum would be frustrated. 15. At the same time, we are sensitive to the rights of states and localities to protect
the legitimate interests of their citizens and we do not seek to unnecessarily infringe these
rights. The Commission recognizes its obligation to "reach a fair accommodation between
federal and nonfederal interests."(24) Thus, it is incumbent upon the Commission not to "unduly
interfere with the legitimate affairs of local governments when they do not frustrate federal
objectives."(25) These include not only certain health and safety regulations, which the
Petitioners' proposed rule recognizes, but also the right of localities to maintain their aesthetic
qualities.(26) Indeed, historically we have sought to avoid becoming unnecessarily involved in
local zoning disputes regarding tower placement. Nevertheless, we have adopted rules
preempting local zoning ordinances where the record established that such ordinances were
inhibiting the implementation of Congressional or FCC objectives, including with regard to
locating satellite "dish" antennas and amateur radio towers.(27) 16.	The Petitioners' proposed rule would cover siting of all broadcast transmission
facilities construction. That is, petitioners have not limited their preemption rule to DTV-related construction, including the involuntary relocation of FM antennas now collocated on
television towers. It is less clear that preemption will be needed where broadcasters do not face
exigencies such as DTV construction deadlines. There are now over 12,000 radio and 1,500
television station licenses outstanding, totals which suggest that generally compliance with
state and federal laws relating to broadcast station construction and operation has been possible
and that state regulation has not been an insuperable obstacle to the exercise of the
Commission's "powers to promote and realize the vast potentialities of radio."(28) In these
circumstances, we seek information on whether any preemption rule should be limited to DTV
construction and to radio station transmission facility relocations resulting from such
construction.(29) We also seek additional information on Petitioners' assertion that local zoning
regulation "stands as an obstacle to the implementation of the DTV conversion and to the
institution and improvement of broadcast service generally."(30) IV. Request for Comments 17.	In order to determine whether preemption is necessary and desirable and the scope
of any preemption rule, we seek comment on a number of issues. This will enable the
Commission to determine whether and how extensively it should exercise its authority to
preempt state and local zoning and land use laws and ordinances.
18. As an initial matter, we generally invite comment on the Petitioners' proposals for
the preemption of state and local laws, regulations and restrictions on the siting of broadcast
transmission facilities. We seek comment on the Petitioners' proposed preemption rule. Alternatively, we request comment on whether any rule we adopt should focus on actions state
and local governments would be preempted from taking or what state or local authority would
be preempted by failure to act within a specified time period.(31)
19. We seek a detailed record of the nature and scope of broadcast tower siting issues, including delays and related matters encountered by broadcasters, tower owners and local
government officials. Although Petitioners provide anecdotal evidence regarding difficulties
encountered by several broadcasters in attempting to meet local ordinances in connection with
tower siting and construction, we have no basis on which to determine the extent to which
such difficulties are representative of radio and television broadcast industry tower siting
experiences generally. So that we might have a factual basis upon which to determine the
nature and extent of the problem, we ask commenters to provide us with information on their
experiences, both positive and negative, with state and local zoning and land use approvals,
and with the application of other laws and ordinances in connection with their efforts to site,
construct and operate radio and television transmission towers. Particularly relevant would be
comments on the duration of local permitting processes tied to such laws and ordinances. We
are also particularly interested in receiving information about experiences related to obstacles
and time constraints or delays encountered by broadcasters and tower owners in the top 30
markets.(32)
20. We are especially interested in the extent to which commenters believe any such
difficulties are representative of difficulties that are now being faced or will be faced in the
context of DTV build-out. Also, we request comments on whether existing laws, ordinances
and procedures are likely to impede adherence to our accelerated DTV build-out schedule. 21. We seek comment on the scope of the preemption proposed by Petitioners, on the
range of facilities to which the rule should apply and on the state and local laws, regulations,
and other restrictions which federal law might preempt. Should we preempt local regulation
for all broadcast facilities? Should the preemption be limited to construction of DTV
transmission facilities and the relocation of those FM radio facilities displaced by DTV? Should the preemption be limited to the top markets in which the DTV roll-out schedule is
22.	Should the Commission preempt state and local restrictions regarding exposure
to RF emissions from broadcast transmission facilities? Are there other circumstances in which
it is appropriate for the Commission to preempt state and local regulation of the siting or
construction of transmission facilities? Should federal regulation preempt local regulation
intended for aesthetic purposes? 23. We seek comment on the procedural framework proposed by Petitioners. Are the
time frames proposed by Petitioners reasonable? Specifically, should we preempt state and
local government authority where they fail to act within certain time periods? If so, what
should be those time periods? Is 45 days appropriate, or would 90 days be more realistic for
broadcast tower applications? Can the DTV construction schedule in the Fifth Report and
Order be reconciled with the procedures of states and localities? In the event that we preempt
as to procedural aspects of zoning and land use regulation, what constraints, if any, are there
on the ability of state and local governments to meet the expedited procedures sought by
Petitioners? We specifically ask states and localities to comment on their current procedures,
their need to use these procedures, the possibility of using expedited procedures to assure our
DTV construction schedule is met, and the nature of such expedited procedures. Is there an
appropriate role for the Commission in resolving disputes between localities and licensees
with respect to tower siting issues? What is the nature of that role -- arbitrator, mediator or
simply the provider of a forum to which parties can turn for suggestions on resolving local
disputes? Is outside arbitration, administered by the Commission, an appropriate forum for
alternative dispute resolution? 24.	We note that we recently received an Advisory Recommendation on the
Petitioner's proposal from the Commission's Local and State Government Advisory
Committee.(33) This recommendation will be incorporated into the public record of this
proceeding, and we will consider the issues raised by the Committee in this and any future
25. Comments and Reply Comments. Pursuant to applicable procedures set forth in
Sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.415 and 1.419, interested
parties may file comments on or before October 30, 1997, and reply comments on or before
December 1, 1997. To file formally in this proceeding, you must file an original plus four
copies of all comments, reply comments, and supporting comments. If you want each
Commissioner to receive a copy of your comments, you must file an original plus nine copies.
You should send comments and reply comments to Office of the Secretary, Federal
Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554. Comments and reply comments will
be available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center
(Room 239), 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. 26. Initial Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis. We have not proposed in this
proceeding any proposed or modified information collection requirement. 27. Ex Parte Rules. This is a non-restricted notice and comment rule making
proceeding. Ex parte presentations are permitted, except during the Sunshine Agenda period,
provided they are disclosed as provided in the Commission Rules. See generally 47 C.F.R.
Sections 1.1202, 1.1203, and 1.1206(a).
28. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. With respect to this Notice, an Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis ("IRFA") is contained in Appendix A. As required by Section
603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Commission has prepared an IRFA of the expected
impact on small entities of the proposals contained in this Notice. Written public comments
are requested on the IRFA. In order to fulfill the mandate of the Contract with America
Advancement Act of 1996 regarding the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, we ask a
number of questions in our IRFA regarding the prevalence of small businesses in the industries covered by this Notice. Comments on the IRFA must be filed in accordance with
the same filing deadlines as comments on the Notice, but they must have a distinct heading
designating them as responses to the IRFA. The Secretary shall send a copy of this Notice,
including the IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration
in accordance with Section 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Pub. L. No. 96-354, 94
Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. § 601 et seq. (1981), as amended. 29. Authority. This Notice is issued pursuant to authority contained in Sections 4(i),
303, and 336 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 303, 307
and 336.
30. Additional Information. For additional information on this proceeding, please
contact Keith Larson, Assistant Bureau Chief for Engineering or Susanna Zwerling, Policy and
Rules Division, Mass Media Bureau (202) 418-2140.
William F. Caton Acting Secretary
As required by Section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act ("RFA"), 5 U.S.C. §
603, the Commission is incorporating an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of
the expected impact on small entities of the policies and proposals in this Notice of
Proposed Rule Making ("Notice"). Written public comments concerning the effect of the
proposals in the Notice, including the IRFA, on small businesses are requested. Comments
must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the deadlines for the
submission of comments in this proceeding. The Secretary shall send a copy of this
Notice, including the IRA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration in accordance with paragraph 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.(34)
Reasons Why Agency Action is Being Considered: In its Fifth Report and Order in its
digital television proceeding (MM Docket No. 87-268) the Commission adopted an
accelerated roll-out schedule for digital television stations. That schedule requires the top
four network affiliates in the top ten television markets to construct their digital television
facility and begin emitting signals by May 1, 1999. Affiliates of these four networks in
markets 11 - 30 must be on the air by November 1, 1999. All other commercial stations
will have to construct their DTV facilities by May 1, 2002, and noncommercial stations by
May 1, 2003. The Commission found this accelerated schedule necessary to promote the
success of DTV and allow for spectrum recovery, a goal shared by Congress. In a rule
making petition filed by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Association of Maximum Service Television the Petitioners claim that state and local zoning and land use
laws, ordinances, and procedures may have a delaying effect on the siting, placement and
construction of new television towers that will be needed for DTV. Additionally, they
contend, the antennas of many FM radio stations will need to be displaced from existing
towers to enable them to support new DTV antenna arrays and these FM stations will have
to build new towers to enable them to continue to serve the public. Accordingly, they ask
the Commission to adopt a rule preempting state and local laws, ordinances and procedures
that could work to delay the inauguration of DTV service. The Commission believes the
prompt deployment of DTV is essential to several goals, and that compliance with such
local requirements may, at least in some cases, both make compliance with both these
procedures and the roll-out schedule impossible. Additionally, it believes that some of
these state and local regulations may stand as obstacles to the accomplishment of the rapid
transition to DTV service and the spectrum recovery that it will permit. This recovery is
also an important congressional purpose as evidenced by its 1996 adoption of 47 U.S.C. §
Need For and Objectives of the Proposed Rule Changes: Petitioners have demonstrated
that at least some state and local zoning and land use laws, ordinances and procedures may,
unless preempted by the Commission, prevent television broadcasters from meeting the
construction schedule for DTV stations established by the Commission, retarding the
recovery of frequency spectrum by the government for reallotment and delaying digital
service to the public. Additionally, in some cases they may result in discontinuation of FM
radio service to the public should displaced FM antennas be unable to relocate to new
Legal Basis: Authority for the actions proposed in this Notice may be found in Sections
4(i), 303(r), and 336 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§
154(i), 303(r), and 336.
Recording, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements: The Commission is
not proposing any new or modified recordkeeping or information collection requirements
in this proceeding.
Federal Rules that Overlap, Duplicate, or Conflict with the Proposed Rules: The
initiatives and proposed rules raised in this proceeding do not overlap, duplicate or conflict
with any other rules.
Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which the Proposed
Rules Will Apply: Under the RFA, small entities may include small organizations, small
businesses, and small governmental jurisdictions. 5 U.S.C. § 601(6). The RFA, 5 U.S.C.
§ 601(3), generally defines the term "small business" as having the same meaning as the
term "small business concern" under the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. § 632. A small
business concern is one which: (1) is independently owned and operated; (2) is not
dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the
Small Business Administration ("SBA"). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 601(3), the statutory
definition of a small business applies "unless an agency after consultation with the Office
of Advocacy of the SBA and after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or
more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and
publishes such definition(s) in the Federal Register."(35)
The proposed rules and policies will apply to television broadcasting licensees,
radio broadcasting licensees and potential licensees of either service. The Small Business
Administration defines a television broadcasting station that has no more than $10.5
million in annual receipts as a small business.(36) Television broadcasting stations consist of
establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting visual programs by television to the
public, except cable and other pay television services.(37) Included in this industry are
commercial, religious, educational, and other television stations.(38) Also included are
establishments primarily engaged in television broadcasting and which produce taped
television program materials.(39) Separate establishments primarily engaged in producing
taped television program materials are classified under another SIC number.(40) There were
1,509 television stations operating in the nation in 1992.(41) That number has remained
fairly constant as indicated by the approximately 1,558 operating television broadcasting
stations in the nation as of May 31, 1997.(42) For 1992(43) the number of television stations
that produced less than $10.0 million in revenue was 1,155 establishments.(44)
Additionally, the Small Business Administration defines a radio broadcasting
station that has no more than $5 million in annual receipts as a small business.(45) A radio
broadcasting station is an establishment primarily engaged in broadcasting aural programs
by radio to the public.(46) Included in this industry are commercial religious, educational,
and other radio stations.(47) Radio broadcasting stations which primarily are engaged in
radio broadcasting and which produce radio program materials are similarly included.(48) However, radio stations which are separate establishments and are primarily engaged in
producing radio program material are classified under another SIC number.(49) The 1992
Census indicates that 96 percent (5,861 of 6,127) radio station establishments produced
less than $5 million in revenue in 1992.(50) Official Commission records indicate that
11,334 individual radio stations were operating in 1992.(51) As of May 31, 1997, official
Commission records indicate that 12,156 radio stations were operating, of which 7,342
were FM stations.(52)
Thus, the proposed rules will affect many of the approximately 1,558 television
stations; approximately 1,200 of those stations are considered small businesses.(53) Additionally, the proposed rules will affect some of the 12,156 radio stations,
approximately 11,670 of which are small businesses.(54) These estimates may overstate the
number of small entities since the revenue figures on which they are based do not include
or aggregate revenues from non-television or non-radio affiliated companies. In addition to owners of operating radio and television stations, any entity who
seeks or desires to obtain a television or radio broadcast license may be affected by the
proposals contained in this item. The number of entities that may seek to obtain a
television or radio broadcast license is unknown. We invite comment as to such number.
Any Significant Alternatives Minimizing the Impact on Small Entities and
Consistent with the Stated Objectives: This Notice solicits comment on a variety of
alternatives discussed herein. Any significant alternatives presented in the comments will
be considered. The Commission believes that the proposed rules and policies may be
necessary to promote the speedy deployment of digital television service and the prompt
recovery of broadcast frequency spectrum for reallotment. We seek comment on this
Report to Small Business Administration: The Commission shall send a copy of
this Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis along with this Notice to the Small Business
Administration pursuant to the RFA 5 U.S.C. § 603(a). A copy of this IRFA will also be
published in the Federal Register. APPENDIX B
Petitioners' Proposed Preemption Rule
In order to facilitate the rapid deployment of Digital Television ("DTV") services,
as authorized by the Commission in MM Docket No. 87-268, and in recognition of the
need to facilitate the siting and construction of broadcast transmission facilities generally,
the following procedures and rules shall apply to the siting of new broadcast transmission
facilities or the alteration or relocation of existing broadcast transmission facilities by
television and radio stations whose operations have been authorized by the Commission.
(a) Siting Procedures. A State or local government or instrumentality thereof shall act on
any request for authorization to place, construct, or modify broadcast transmission
facilities within a reasonable period of time after a written request is filed with such
government or instrumentality for any required permit or other authorization. For
purposes of this subsection, a "reasonable period of time" shall mean:	(1)	within twenty-one (21) days, with respect to requests to (i) modify existing broadcast
transmission facilities where no change in location or overall height is proposed, and (ii)
strengthen or replace an existing broadcast transmission facility;
(2)	within thirty (30) days, with respect to requests to (i) relocate existing broadcast transmission
facilities from a currently approved location to another location within 300 feet; (ii)
consolidate two or more broadcast transmission facilities on a common tower other structure,
whether the tower or other structure is pre-existing or new; or (iii) increase the height of an
existing tower; (3)	in all other cases, within forty-five (45) days.
The failure of a state or local government or instrumentality thereof to act on any
request within a reasonable period of time will result in the request being deemed
granted. (b)	Preemption.
(1)	No state or local government or instrumentality thereof may deny a request to
place, construct or modify a broadcast antenna facility on the basis of:
(i)	the environmental or health effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent
that such facility has been determined by the Commission to comply with the Commission's regulations and/or policies concerning such emissions;
(ii)	interference effects on existing or potential telecommunications providers,
end users, broadcasters or third parties, to the extent that the broadcast
antenna facility has been determined by the Commission to comply with
applicable Commission regulations and/or policies concerning interference;
(iii)	lighting, painting, and marking requirements, to the extent that the facility
has been determined by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") or the
Commission to comply with applicable FAA and Commission regulations and/or policies regarding tower lighting, painting and marking;
(2)	Any state or local land-use, building, or similar law, rule or regulation that	impairs
the ability of federally authorized radio or television operators to place, construct
or modify broadcast transmission facilities, is preempted unless the promulgating
authority can demonstrate that such regulation is reasonable in relation to:
(i)	a clearly defined and expressly stated health or safety objective other than one related to those set forth in Section (1)(i)-(iii) above; and
(ii)	the federal interests in (i)
allowing federally authorized
broadcast operators to construct
broadcast transmission facilities
in order to render their service to
the public; and (ii) fair and
effective competition among
competing electronic media.
(c)	Written decision. Any decision by a State or local government or instrumentality
thereof to deny a request to place, construct, or modify a broadcast antenna facility
shall be in writing and supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record.
Such written decisions shall be delivered to all applicants within five (5) days.
(d)	Alternative Dispute Resolution. In the event that an applicant is denied approval to
place, construct, or modify a broadcast antenna facility, the applicant may elect to have
its request submitted to an alternate dispute resolution process which shall be
administered by the Commission. An Applicant whose request has been denied may
elect arbitration by filing a written notice of election, including a copy of the written
decision of the state or local government or instrumentality thereof, with the
Commission within ten (10) days of receipt of the decision of the state or local
government or instrumentality thereof. The Commission shall select an arbitrator to
hear and resolve the dispute within five (5) days of receipt of the notice. The
Commission shall conduct and complete the arbitration within fifteen (15) days of
receipt of the applicants' written request for arbitration. If it is determined that the
decision of the state or local government or instrumentality thereof is unsupported by the evidence in the record and would, if allowed to stand, frustrate the federal
interests set forth above in paragraph (b)(2)(ii), the Commission shall issue an order
vacating the decision of the state or local government or instrumentality thereof and
granting the applicant's request to place, construct, or modify its broadcast antenna
facility. (e)	Declaratory Relief. Any radio or television operator 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 rule may, within 30 days after such action or failure to act,
petition the Commission for a declaratory ruling requesting relief. The Commission
shall act on such petitions within thirty (30) days
(f)	Definitions. For purpose of this section:
(i)	"Broadcast transmission facilities" shall mean towers, broadcast antennas, associated buildings, and all equipment cables and hardware used for the purpose of or in connection with federally authorized radio or television broadcast transmissions.
(ii)	"Broadcast operator" shall mean a person, firm, corporation or other form of
business organization which has been issued a construction permit, license,
experimental authorization, special temporary authorization, or other authority
from the Federal Communications Commission. 1. This petition was filed in the Commission's Digital Television proceeding Fifth Report and Order in MM
Docket No. 87-268, FCC 97-116 (April 22, 1997)("Fifth Report and Order"), 62 F.R. 26996 (May 16, 1997). The
Commission will, however, treat the Petition as one filed pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 1.401 seeking the institution of a
new rule making proceeding.
2. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶ 76. Twenty-four television stations have voluntarily agreed to an 18-month
schedule for the construction of their DTV facilities. 3. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶¶ 99, 100. See Also Balanced Budget Act of 1997 ("BBA"), Pub. L.
105-33, 111 Stat. 251 (1997) (codified at 47 U.S.C. § 309(j)(14)(A)-(B))(establishing statutory target date for return
of the analog spectrum and setting out exceptions to that deadline).
4. Petition at pages 7-15.
5. The Petition describes several instances in which local zoning regulations and related appeals have resulted
in lengthy delays in the construction of broadcast facilities. Id. at pages 10-15. 6. Congress addressed the overlap between state and local and federal regulatory authority over tower siting in
the context of personal wireless services facilities in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L. No. 104-104, 110
Stat 56 (1996), codified at 47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq. ("1996 Telecommunications Act"). The statute does not, however,
set out a specific time frame within which a state or local government must act on a request, rather, it requires that
the state or local authority act within a reasonable time. 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(B)(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.")
7. This portion of the proposed rule generally tracks the procedures by which a state or local authority may deny
a request to construct personal wireless services facilities as outlined in the 1996 Telecommunications Act. 47 U.S.C.
§ 332(c)(7)(B)(iii) ("Any decision by a state or local government or any 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.")
8. While the 1996 Telecommunications Act contains procedures for the appeal of a State or local government
decision in the context of the construction and placement of personal wireless service facilities, these procedures differ
from the procedures proposed by the Petitioners. 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(B)(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.") 9. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶ 80.
10. Id. at ¶ 81.
11. Id. at ¶ 82.
12. Id. at ¶ 83.
13. See Notice of Proposed Rule Making in ET Docket No, 97-157, FCC 97-245, Reallocation of Television
Channels 60-69, the 746-806 MHz Band (July 9, 1997). See Also BBA, supra note 3, (codified at 47 U.S.C. § 337) (providing for the allocation of 24 megahertz of returned spectrum to be allocated for public safety services and 36
megahertz of that spectrum to be auctioned for commercial use) 14. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶¶ 2, 7. 15. Id. at ¶ 77. 16. 16	See e.g., 47 U.S.C. §§ 152(a), 301, 303(c), (d), (e), and especially (f); Head v. New Mexico Board of
Examiners in Optometry, 374 U.S. 424, 430 n.6 (1963)(the FCC's "jurisdiction over technical matters" associated with
the transmission of broadcast signals is clearly exclusive); 960 Radio, Inc., FCC 85-578 (released November 4,
1985)(preempts local zoning authority regulation of interference caused by an FM station); Mobilecom of New York,
Inc., 2 FCC Rcd 5519 (Com. Car. Bur. 1987)
17. 17	H.R. Report No. 765, 97th Cong. 2d Sess. 33 (1982), reprinted in 1982 U.S. Code Cong. & Ad. News 2277
(amendment to Section 302(a) of Act)("The Conference substitute is further intended to clarify the reservation of
exclusive jurisdiction to the Federal Communications Commission over matters involving RFI. Such matters shall not
be regulated by local or state law, nor shall radio transmitting be subject to local or state regulation as part of any
effort to resolve an RFI complaint.")
18. Hines v. Davidowitz, 312 U.S. 52, 68 (1941).
19. City of New York v. FCC, 486 U.S. 57, 63 (1988). See generally Louisiana Public Service Commission v.
FCC, 476 U.S. 355, 368-69 (1986) and cases cited therein.
20. 47 U.S.C. § 336(c). See generally 47 U.S.C. § 151 (purpose of the Act includes "to make available, so far
as possible...a rapid, efficient Nation-wide and world-wide radio communication service with adequate facilities");
47 U.S.C. § 157 ("It shall be the policy of the United States to encourage the provision of new technologies and
services to the public."). 21. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶ 5.
22. Fifth Report and Order, supra at ¶ 91.
23. Id. at ¶ 76. See also id. at ¶¶ 84-85 and 87.
24. 24	Arecibo Radio Corporation, 101 FCC 2d 545, 550 (1985); see City of New York v. FCC, 486 U.S. 57, 64
(1988) (Commission exercise of preemption power must represent reasonable accommodation of conflicting policies.)
25. 25	Notice of Proposed Rule Making, In the Matter of Preemption of Local Zoning Regulations of Receive-Only
Satellite Earth Stations, 100 FCC 2d 846, 853 (1985). See also Preemption of Local Zoning Regulations of Satellite
Earth Stations, IB Docket No 95-59, 11 FCC Rcd 5809 (1996).
26. 26	See Preemption of Local Zoning Regulations of Receive-Only Satellite Earth Stations, 100 FCC 2d 846 at
¶ 21; Amendment of Part 73 of the Commission's Rules to More Effectively Resolve Broadcast Blanketing
Interference, 11 FCC Rcd 4750, 4754 (1996) (localities best situated to resolve local land use and related aesthetic
27. E.g., Preemption of Local Zoning or Other Regulation of Receive-Only Satellite Earth Stations, CC Docket
No. 85-87, 59 RR 2d 1073 (Released Feb. 5, 1986); Federal Preemption of State and Local Regulations Pertaining
to Amateur Radio Facilities, PRB -1 50 Fed. Reg. 38813 (Sept. 25, 1985). 28. 28	National Broadcasting Company v. United States, 319 U.S. 190, 217 (1943).
29. But see paragraph 21, infra.
30. Petition at page 22.
31. See, e.g., 47 C.F.R. § 25.104. 32. The top thirty television markets, as ranked by Nielsen Media Research as of April 3, 1997 are: New York, Los
Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit Atlanta,
Houston, Seattle-Tacoma, Cleveland, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Tampa-St.Petersburg, Miami, Phoenix, Denver,
Pittsburgh, Sacramento-Stockton, St. Louis, Orlando-Daytona Beach, Baltimore, Portland, OR, Indianapolis, San
Diego, Hartford-New Haven, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Cincinnati.
33. Local and State Government Advisory Committee Recommendation No. 3, NAB Petition for Further Notice of
Proposed Rule Making, MM Docket 87-286, August 1, 1997. 34. 34	Pub. L. No. 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. § 601 et seq. (1981), as amended.
35. While we tentatively believe that the SBA's definition of "small business" greatly overstates the number of
radio and television broadcast stations that are small businesses and is not suitable for purposes of determining the
impact of the proposals on small television and radio stations, for purposes of this Notice, we utilize the SBA's
definition in determining the number of small businesses to which the proposed rules would apply, but we reserve the
right to adopt a more suitable definition of "small business" as applied to radio and television broadcast stations or
other entities subject to the proposed rules in this Notice and to consider further the issue of the number of small
entities that are radio and television broadcasters or other small media entities in the future. See Report and Order
in MM Docket No. 93-48 (Children's Television Programming), 11 FCC Rcd 10660, 10737-38 (1996), citing 5 U.S.C.
§ 601(3).
36. 13 C.F.R. § 121.201, Standard Industrial Code (SIC) 4833 (1996).
37. Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1992 CENSUS OF
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES, ESTABLISHMENT AND FIRM SIZE, Series UC92-S-1, Appendix A-9 (1995).
38. Id. See Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, Standard Industrial Classification
Manual (1987), at 283, which describes "Television Broadcasting Stations (SIC Code 4833) as:
Establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting visual programs by television to the public,
except cable and other pay television services. Included in this industry are commercial, religious,
educational and other television stations. Also included here are establishments primarily engaged
in television broadcasting and which produce taped television program materials.
39. Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1992 CENSUS OF
40. Id. SIC 7812 (Motion Picture and Video Tape Production); SIC 7922 (Theatrical Producers and Miscellaneous
Theatrical Services (producers of live radio and television programs). 41. FCC News Release No. 31327, Jan. 13, 1993; Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of Census,
U.S. Department of Commerce, supra note 78, Appendix A-9.
42. FCC News Release "Broadcast Station Totals as of May 31, 1997.
43. Census for Communications' establishments are performed every five years ending with a "2" or "7". See
Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, supra note 78, III.
44. The amount of $10 million was used to estimate the number of small business establishments because the
relevant Census categories stopped at $9,999,999 and began at $10,000,000. No category for $10.5 million existed. Thus, the number is as accurate as it is possible to calculate with the available information.
45. 13 C.F.R. § 121.201, SIC 4832.
46. Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, supra note 78,
Appendix A-9.
50. The Census Bureau counts radio stations located at the same facility as one establishment. Therefore, each
co-located AM/FM combination counts as one establishment. 51. FCC News Release No. 31327, Jan. 13, 1993.
52. FCC News Release "Broadcast Station Totals as of May 31, 1997."
53. We use the 77 percent figure of TV stations operating at less than $10 million for 1992 and apply it to the
1997 total of 1558 TV stations to arrive at 1,200 stations categorized as small businesses.
54. We use the 96% figure of radio station establishments with less than $5 million revenue from the Census data
and apply it to the 12,156 individual station count to arrive at 11,670 individual stations as small businesses.