FCC Regulation Document

Part: 
Topic: C

47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                              47 CFR Part 17 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 47 —Telecommunication
Chapter I —Federal Communications Commission
Subchapter A —General

Part 17 Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures
  Subpart A General Information
      § 17.1 Basis and purpose.
      § 17.2 Definitions.
      § 17.4 Antenna structure registration.
      § 17.5 Commission consideration of applications for station authorization.
      § 17.6 Responsibility for painting and lighting compliance.
  Subpart B Federal Aviation Administration Notification Criteria
      § 17.7 Antenna structures requiring notification to the FAA.
      § 17.8 Establishment of antenna farm areas.
      § 17.9 Designated antenna farm areas.
      § 17.10 Antenna structures over 304.80 meters (1,000 feet) in height.
      §§ 17.14-17.17 [Reserved]
  Subpart C Specifications for Obstruction Marking and Lighting of Antenna
                 Structures
      § 17.21 Painting and lighting, when required.
      § 17.22 [Reserved]
      § 17.23 Specifications for painting and lighting antenna structures.
      § 17.24 Existing structures.
      §§ 17.25-17.45 [Reserved]
      § 17.47 Inspection of antenna structure lights and associated control equipment.
      § 17.48 Notification of extinguishment or improper functioning of lights.
      § 17.49 Recording of antenna structure light inspections in the owner record.
      § 17.50 Cleaning and repainting.
      § 17.51 [Reserved]
      § 17.53 Lighting equipment and paint.
      § 17.54 Rated lamp voltage.
      § 17.56 Maintenance of lighting equipment.
      § 17.57 Report of radio transmitting antenna construction, alteration, and/or removal.
      § 17.58 [Reserved]

PART 17—CONSTRUCTION, MARKING, AND LIGHTING OF

47 CFR 17 (enhanced display)                                                                    page 1 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                    47 CFR 17.1
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

ANTENNA STRUCTURES
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 303, 309.

Subpart A—General Information
§ 17.1 Basis and purpose.
     (a) The rules in this part are issued pursuant to the authority contained in Title III of the Communications Act
         of 1934, as amended, which vest authority in the Federal Communications Commission to issue licenses
         to radio stations when it is found that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served
         thereby, and to require the painting, and/or illumination of antenna structures if and when in its judgment
         such structures constitute, or there is reasonable possibility that they may constitute, a menace to air
         navigation.

     (b) The purpose of this part is to prescribe certain procedures for antenna structure registration and
         standards with respect to the Commission's consideration of proposed antenna structures which will
         serve as a guide to antenna structure owners.

[61 FR 4362, Feb. 6, 1996, as amended at 79 FR 56984, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.2 Definitions.
     (a) Antenna structure. The term antenna structure means a structure that is constructed or used to transmit
         radio energy, or that is constructed or used for the primary purpose of supporting antennas to transmit
         and/or receive radio energy, and any antennas and other appurtenances mounted thereon, from the time
         construction of the supporting structure begins until such time as the supporting structure is dismantled.

     (b) Antenna farm area. A geographical location, with established boundaries, designated by the Federal
         Communications Commission, in which antenna structures with a common impact on aviation may be
         grouped.

     (c) Antenna structure owner. For the purposes of this part, an antenna structure owner is the individual or
         entity vested with ownership, equitable ownership, dominion, or title to the antenna structure that is
         constructed or used to transmit radio energy, or the underlying antenna structure that supports or is
         intended to support antennas and other appurtenances. Notwithstanding any agreements made between
         the owner and any entity designated by the owner to maintain the antenna structure, the owner is
         ultimately responsible for compliance with the requirements of this part.

     (d) Antenna structure registration number. A unique number, issued by the Commission during the registration
         process, which identifies an antenna structure. Once obtained, this number must be used in all filings
         related to this structure.

[32 FR 8813, June 21, 1967, and 32 FR 11268, Aug. 3, 1967, as amended at 39 FR 26157, July 17, 1974; 61 FR 4362, Feb. 6, 1996;
79 FR 56984, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.4 Antenna structure registration.
     (a) The owner of any proposed or existing antenna structure that requires notice of proposed construction to
         the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to physical obstruction must register the structure with the
         Commission. (See § 17.7 for FAA notification requirements.) This includes those structures used as part
47 CFR 17.4(a) (enhanced display)                                                                                  page 2 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                          47 CFR 17.4(a)(1)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

           of stations licensed by the Commission for the transmission of radio energy, or to be used as part of a
           cable television head end system. If a Federal Government antenna structure is to be used by a
           Commission licensee, the structure must be registered with the Commission. If the FAA exempts an
           antenna structure from notification, it is exempt from the requirement that it register with the
           Commission. (See § 17.7(e) for exemptions to FAA notification requirements.)

           (1) For a proposed antenna structure or alteration of an existing antenna structure, the owner must
               register the structure prior to construction or alteration.

           (2) For a structure that did not originally fall under the definition of “antenna structure,” the owner must
               register the structure prior to hosting a Commission licensee.

     (b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, each owner of an antenna structure described in
         paragraph (a) of this section must electronically file FCC Form 854 with the Commission. Additionally,
         each owner of a proposed structure referred to in paragraph (a) of this section must submit a valid FAA
         determination of “no hazard.” In order to be considered valid by the Commission, the FAA determination of
         “no hazard” must not have expired prior to the date on which FCC Form 854 is received by the
         Commission. The height of the structure will be the highest point of the structure including any
         obstruction lighting or lightning arrester. If an antenna structure is not required to be registered under
         paragraph (a) of this section and it is voluntarily registered with the Commission after October 24, 2014,
         the registrant must note on FCC Form 854 that the registration is voluntary. Voluntarily registered antenna
         structures are not subject to the lighting and marking requirements contained in this part.

     (c) Each prospective applicant must complete the environmental notification process described in this
         paragraph, except as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

           (1) Exceptions from the environmental notification process. Completion of the environmental notification
               process is not required when FCC Form 854 is submitted solely for the following purposes:

                 (i)   For notification only, such as to report a change in ownership or contact information, or the
                       dismantlement of an antenna structure;

                 (ii) For a reduction in height of an antenna structure or an increase in height that does not
                      constitute a substantial increase in size as defined in paragraph I(E)(1)–(3) of appendix B to
                      part 1 of this chapter, provided that there is no construction or excavation more than 30 feet
                      beyond the existing antenna structure property;

                (iii) For removal of lighting from an antenna structure or adoption of a more preferred or equally
                      preferred lighting style. For this purpose lighting styles are ranked as follows (with the most
                      preferred lighting style listed first and the least preferred listed last): no lights; FAA Lighting
                      Styles that do not involve use of red steady lights; and FAA Lighting Styles that involve use of
                      red steady lights. A complete description of each FAA Lighting Style and the manner in which it
                      is to be deployed can be found in the current version of FAA, U.S. Dept. of Transportation,
                      Advisory Circular: Obstruction Marking and Lighting, AC 70/7460;

                (iv) For replacement of an existing antenna structure at the same geographic location that does not
                     require an Environmental Assessment (EA) under § 1.1307(a) through (d) of this chapter,
                     provided the new structure will not use a less preferred lighting style, there will be no
                     substantial increase in size as defined in paragraph I(E)(1)–(3) of appendix B to part 1 of this
                     chapter, and there will be no construction or excavation more than 30 feet beyond the existing
                     antenna structure property;

47 CFR 17.4(c)(1)(iv) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 3 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 17.4(c)(1)(v)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

                (v) For any other change that does not alter the physical structure, lighting, or geographic location
                    of an existing structure;

                (vi) For construction, modification, or replacement of an antenna structure on Federal land where
                     another Federal agency has assumed responsibility for evaluating the potentially significant
                     environmental effect of the proposed antenna structure on the quality of the human
                     environment and for invoking any required environmental impact statement process, or for any
                     other structure where another Federal agency has assumed such responsibilities pursuant to a
                     written agreement with the Commission (see § 1.1311(e) of this chapter); or

                (vii) For the construction or deployment of an antenna structure that will:

                      (A) Be in place for no more than 60 days,

                      (B) Requires notice of construction to the FAA,

                      (C) Does not require marking or lighting under FAA regulations,

                      (D) Will be less than 200 feet in height above ground level, and

                      (E) Will either involve no excavation or involve excavation only where the depth of previous
                          disturbance exceeds the proposed construction depth (excluding footings and other
                          anchoring mechanisms) by at least two feet. An applicant that relies on this exception
                          must wait 30 days after removal of the antenna structure before relying on this exception
                          to deploy another antenna structure covering substantially the same service area.

           (2) Commencement of the environmental notification process. The prospective applicant shall
               commence the environmental notification process by filing information about the proposed antenna
               structure with the Commission. This information shall include, at a minimum, all of the information
               required on FCC Form 854 regarding ownership and contact information, geographic location, and
               height, as well as the type of structure and anticipated lighting. The Wireless Telecommunications
               Bureau may utilize a partially completed FCC Form 854 to collect this information.

           (3) Local notice. The prospective applicant must provide local notice of the proposed new antenna
               structure or modification of an existing antenna structure through publication in a newspaper of
               general circulation or other appropriate means, such as through the public notification provisions of
               the relevant local zoning process. The local notice shall contain all of the descriptive information as
               to geographic location, configuration, height and anticipated lighting specifications reflected in the
               submission required pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section. It must also provide information as
               to the procedure for interested persons to file Requests for environmental processing pursuant to §§
               1.1307(c) and 1.1313(b) of this chapter, including any assigned file number, and state that such
               Requests may only raise environmental concerns.

           (4) National notice. On or after the local notice date provided by the prospective applicant, the
               Commission shall post notification of the proposed construction on its Web site. This posting shall
               include the information contained in the initial filing with the Commission or a link to such
               information. The posting shall remain on the Commission's Web site for a period of 30 days.

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47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 17.4(c)(5)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

           (5) Requests for environmental processing. Any Request filed by an interested person pursuant to §§
               1.1307(c) and 1.1313(b) of this chapter must be received by the Commission no later than 30 days
               after the proposed antenna structure goes on notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
               The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau shall establish by public notice the process for filing
               Requests for environmental processing and responsive pleadings consistent with the following
               provisions.

                 (i)   Service and pleading cycle. The interested person or entity shall serve a copy of its Request on
                       the prospective ASR applicant pursuant to § 1.47 of this chapter. Oppositions may be filed no
                       later than 10 days after the time for filing Requests has expired. Replies to oppositions may be
                       filed no later than 5 days after the time for filing oppositions has expired. Oppositions shall be
                       served upon the Requester, and replies shall be served upon the prospective applicant.

                (ii) Content. An Environmental Request must state why the interested person or entity believes that
                     the proposed antenna structure or physical modification of an existing antenna structure may
                     have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment for which an Environmental
                     Assessment must be considered by the Commission as required by § 1.1307 of this chapter, or
                     why an Environmental Assessment submitted by the prospective Antenna Structure
                     Registration (ASR) applicant does not adequately evaluate the potentially significant
                     environmental effects of the proposal. The Request must be submitted as a written petition
                     filed electronically, setting forth in detail the reasons supporting Requester's contentions. If the
                     filer is unable to submit electronically, or if filing electronically would be unreasonably
                     burdensome, the Request may be submitted by mail, with a request for waiver under §
                     1.1304(b) of this chapter.

           (6) Amendments. The prospective applicant must file an amendment to report any substantial change in
               the information provided to the Commission. An amendment will not require further local or national
               notice if the only reported change is a reduction in the height of the proposed new or modified
               antenna structure; if proposed lighting is removed or changed to a more preferred or equally
               preferred lighting style as set forth in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section; or if the amendment
               reports only administrative changes that are not subject to the requirements specified in this
               paragraph. All other changes to the physical structure, lighting, or geographic location data for a
               proposed registered antenna structure require additional local and national notice and a new period
               for filing Requests pursuant to paragraphs (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this section.

           (7) Environmental Assessments. If an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required under § 1.1307 of this
               chapter, the antenna structure registration applicant shall attach the EA to its environmental
               submission, regardless of any requirement that the EA also be attached to an associated service-
               specific license or construction permit application. The contents of an EA are described in §§ 1.1308
               and 1.1311 of this chapter. The EA may be provided either with the initial environmental submission
               or as an amendment. If the EA is submitted as an amendment, the Commission shall post
               notification on its Web site for another 30 days pursuant to paragraph (c)(4) of this section and
               accept additional Requests pursuant to paragraph (c)(5) of this section. However, additional local
               notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this section shall not be required unless information has
               changed pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section. The applicant shall serve a copy of the EA
               upon any party that has previously filed a Request pursuant to paragraph (c)(5) of this section.

           (8) Disposition. The processing Bureau shall resolve all environmental issues, in accordance with the
               environmental regulations (47 CFR 1.1301 through 1.1319) specified in part 1 of this chapter, before
               the tower owner, or the first tenant licensee acting on behalf of the owner, may complete the antenna

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                                                                                                       47 CFR 17.4(c)(9)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

                structure registration application. In a case where no EA is submitted, the Bureau shall notify the
                applicant whether an EA is required under § 1.1307(c) or (d) of this chapter. In a case where an EA is
                submitted, the Bureau shall either grant a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or notify the
                applicant that further environmental processing is required pursuant to § 1.1308 of this chapter.
                Upon filing the completed antenna structure registration application, the applicant shall certify that
                the construction will not have a significant environmental impact, unless an Environmental Impact
                Statement is prepared pursuant to § 1.1314 of this chapter.

          (9) Transition rule. An antenna structure registration application that is pending with the Commission as
              of the effective date of this paragraph (c) shall not be required to complete the environmental
              notification process set forth in this paragraph. The Commission will publish a document in the
              FEDERAL REGISTER announcing the effective date. However, if such an application is amended in a
              manner that would require additional notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section, then such
              notice shall be required.

     (d) If a final FAA determination of “no hazard” is not submitted along with FCC Form 854, processing of the
         registration may be delayed or disapproved.

     (e) If the owner of the antenna structure cannot file FCC Form 854 because it is subject to a denial of Federal
         benefits under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. 862, the first tenant licensee authorized to
         locate on the structure (excluding tenants that no longer occupy the structure) must register the structure
         electronically using FCC Form 854, and provide a copy of the Antenna Structure Registration (FCC Form
         854R) to the owner. The owner remains responsible for providing to all tenant licensees and permittees
         notification that the structure has been registered, consistent with paragraph (f) of this section, and for
         posting the registration number as required by paragraph (g) of this section.

     (f) The Commission shall issue to the registrant FCC Form 854R, Antenna Structure Registration, which
         assigns a unique Antenna Structure Registration Number. The antenna structure owner shall immediately
         provide to all tenant licensees and permittees notification that the structure has been registered, along
         with either a copy of Form 854R or the Antenna Structure Registration Number and a link to the FCC
         antenna structure website: http://wireless.fcc.gov/antenna/. This notification must be done electronically.

     (g) Except as described in paragraph (h) of this section, the Antenna Structure Registration Number must be
         displayed so that it is conspicuously visible and legible from the publicly accessible area nearest the base
         of the antenna structure along the publicly accessible roadway or path. Where an antenna structure is
         surrounded by a perimeter fence, or where the point of access includes an access gate, the Antenna
         Structure Registration Number should be posted on the perimeter fence or access gate. Where multiple
         antenna structures having separate Antenna Structure Registration Numbers are located within a single
         fenced area, the Antenna Structure Registration Numbers must be posted both on the perimeter fence or
         access gate and near the base of each antenna structure. If the base of the antenna structure has more
         than one point of access, the Antenna Structure Registration Number must be posted so that it is visible
         at the publicly accessible area nearest each such point of access. Materials used to display the Antenna
         Structure Registration Number must be weather-resistant and of sufficient size to be easily seen where
         posted.

     (h) The owner is not required to post the Antenna Structure Registration Number in cases where a federal,
         state, or local government entity provides written notice to the owner that such a posting would detract
         from the appearance of a historic landmark. In this case, the owner must make the Antenna Structure
         Registration Number available to representatives of the Commission, the FAA, and the general public upon
         reasonable demand.

47 CFR 17.4(h) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 6 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                   47 CFR 17.4(i)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

     (i)   Absent Commission specification, the painting and lighting specifications recommended by the FAA are
           mandatory (see § 17.23). However, the Commission may specify painting and/or lighting requirements for
           each antenna structure registration in addition to or different from those specified by the FAA.

     (j)   Any change or correction in the overall height of one foot or greater or coordinates of one second or
           greater in longitude or latitude of a registered antenna structure requires prior approval from the FAA and
           modification of the existing registration with the Commission.

     (k) Any change in the marking and lighting that varies from the specifications described on any antenna
         structure registration requires prior approval from the FAA and the Commission.

[61 FR 4362, Feb. 6, 1996, as amended at 77 FR 3953, Jan. 26, 2012; 79 FR 56985, Sept. 24, 2014; 80 FR 1270, Jan. 8, 2015; 85 FR
85532, Dec. 29, 2020]

Effective Date Note: At 80 FR 1270, Jan. 8, 2015, § 17.4(c)(1)(vii) was added. This paragraph contains
information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given
by the Office of Management and Budget.

§ 17.5 Commission consideration of applications for station authorization.
     (a) Applications for station authorization, excluding services authorized on a geographic basis, are reviewed
         to determine whether there is a requirement that the antenna structure in question must be registered
         with the Commission.

     (b) If registration is required, the registrant must supply the structure's registration number upon request by
         the Commission.

     (c) If registration is not required, the application for authorization will be processed without further regard to
         this chapter.

[61 FR 4362, Feb. 6, 1996]

§ 17.6 Responsibility for painting and lighting compliance.
     (a) The antenna structure owner is responsible for maintaining the painting and lighting in accordance with
         this part. However, if a licensee or permittee authorized on an antenna structure is aware that the
         structure is not being maintained in accordance with the specifications set forth on the Antenna Structure
         Registration (FCC Form 854R) or the requirements of this part, or otherwise has reason to question
         whether the antenna structure owner is carrying out its responsibility under this part, the licensee or
         permittee must take immediate steps to ensure that the antenna structure is brought into compliance and
         remains in compliance. The licensee must:

           (1) Immediately notify the structure owner;

           (2) Immediately notify the site management company (if applicable);

           (3) Immediately notify the Commission; and,

           (4) Make a diligent effort to immediately bring the structure into compliance.

47 CFR 17.6(a)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                                page 7 of 14
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                                                                                                             47 CFR 17.6(b)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

     (b) In the event of non-compliance by the antenna structure owner, the Commission may require each
         licensee and permittee authorized on an antenna structure to maintain the structure, for an indefinite
         period, in accordance with the Antenna Structure Registration (FCC Form 854R) and the requirements of
         this part.

     (c) If the owner of the antenna structure cannot file FCC Form 854 because it is subject to a denial of Federal
         benefits under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. 862, the first tenant licensee authorized to
         locate on the structure (excluding tenants that no longer occupy the structure) must electronically register
         the structure using FCC Form 854, and provide a copy of the Antenna Structure Registration (FCC Form
         854R) to the owner. The owner remains responsible for providing to all tenant licensees and permittees
         notification that the structure has been registered, consistent with § 17.4(f), and for posting the
         registration number as required by § 17.4(g).

[61 FR 4363, Feb. 6, 1996, as amended at 79 FR 56985, Sept. 24, 2014; 85 FR 85532, Dec. 29, 2020]

Subpart B—Federal Aviation Administration Notification Criteria
§ 17.7 Antenna structures requiring notification to the FAA.
A notification to the FAA is required, except as set forth in paragraph (e) of this section, for any of the following
construction or alteration:

     (a) Any construction or alteration of more than 60.96 meters (200 feet) in height above ground level at its site.

     (b) Any construction or alteration that exceeds an imaginary surface extending outward and upward at any of
         the following slopes:

           (1) 100 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 6.10 kilometers (20,000 feet) from the nearest point of the
               nearest runway of each airport described in paragraph (d) of this section with its longest runway
               more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports.

           (2) 50 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 3.05 kilometers (10,000 feet) from the nearest point of the
               nearest runway of each airport described in paragraph (d) of this section with its longest runway no
               more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports.

           (3) 25 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 1.52 kilometers (5,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest
               landing and takeoff area of each heliport described in paragraph (d) of this section.

     (c) When requested by the FAA, any construction or alteration that would be in an instrument approach area
         (defined in the FAA standards governing instrument approach procedures) and available information
         indicates it might exceed an obstruction standard of the FAA.

     (d) Any construction or alteration on any of the following airports and heliports:

           (1) A public use airport listed in the Airport/Facility Directory, Alaska Supplement, or Pacific Chart
               Supplement of the U.S. Government Flight Information Publications;

           (2) A military airport under construction, or an airport under construction that will be available for public
               use;

           (3) An airport operated by a Federal agency or the United States Department of Defense.

           (4) An airport or heliport with at least one FAA-approved instrument approach procedure.

47 CFR 17.7(d)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 8 of 14
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                                                                                                                  47 CFR 17.7(e)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

     (e) A notification to the FAA is not required for any of the following construction or alteration:

           (1) Any object that will be shielded by existing structures of a permanent and substantial nature or by
               natural terrain or topographic features of equal or greater height, and will be located in the congested
               area of a city, town, or settlement where the shielded structure will not adversely affect safety in air
               navigation;

           (2) Any air navigation facility, airport visual approach or landing aid, aircraft arresting device, or
               meteorological device meeting FAA-approved siting criteria or an appropriate military service siting
               criteria on military airports, the location and height of which are fixed by its functional purpose;

           (3) Any antenna structure of 6.10 meters (20 feet) or less in height, except one that would increase the
               height of another antenna structure.

           Note to § 17.7: Consideration to aeronautical facilities not in existence at the time of the filing of
           the application for radio facilities will be given only when proposed airport construction or
           improvement plans are on file with the Federal Aviation Administration as of the filing date of the
           application for such radio facilities.

[39 FR 7581, Feb. 27, 1974, as amended at 39 FR 26157, July 17, 1974; 42 FR 54823, Oct. 11, 1977; 42 FR 57127, Nov. 1, 1977; 79
FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.8 Establishment of antenna farm areas.
     (a) Each antenna farm area will be established by an appropriate rulemaking proceeding, which may be
         commenced by the Commission on its own motion after consultation with the FAA, upon request of the
         FAA, or as a result of a petition filed by any interested person. After receipt of a petition from an interested
         person disclosing sufficient reasons to justify institution of a rulemaking proceeding, the Commission will
         request the advice of the FAA with respect to the considerations of menace to air navigation in terms of
         air safety which may be presented by the proposal. The written communication received from the FAA in
         response to the Commission's request shall be placed in the Commission's public rulemaking file
         containing the petition, and interested persons shall be allowed a period of 30 days within which to file
         statements with respect thereto. Such statements shall also be filed with the Administrator of the FAA
         with proof of such filing to be established in accordance with § 1.47 of this chapter. The Administrator of
         the FAA shall have a period of 15 days within which to file responses to such statements. If the
         Commission, upon consideration of the matters presented to it in accordance with the above procedure,
         is satisfied that establishment of the proposed antenna farm would constitute a menace to air navigation
         for reasons of air safety, rulemaking proceedings will not be instituted. If rulemaking proceedings are
         instituted, any person filing comments therein which concern the question of whether the proposed
         antenna farm will constitute a menace to air navigation shall file a copy of the comments with the
         Administrator of the FAA. Proof of such filing shall be established in accordance with § 1.47 of this
         chapter.

     (b) Nothing in this subpart shall be construed to mean that only one antenna farm area will be designated for
         a community. The Commission will consider on a case-by-case basis whether or not more than one
         antenna farm area shall be designated for a particular community.

[32 FR 8813, June 21, 1967, as amended at 32 FR 13591, Sept. 28, 1967]

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47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 17.9
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

§ 17.9 Designated antenna farm areas.
The areas described in the following paragraphs of this section are established as antenna farm areas [appropriate
paragraphs will be added as necessary].

[32 FR 8813, June 21, 1967]

§ 17.10 Antenna structures over 304.80 meters (1,000 feet) in height.
Where one or more antenna farm areas have been designated for a community or communities (see § 17.9), the
Commission will not accept for filing an application to construct a new station or to increase height or change
antenna location of an existing station proposing the erection of an antenna structure over 304.80 meters (1,000
feet) above ground unless:

     (a) It is proposed to locate the antenna structure in a designated antenna farm area, or

     (b) It is accompanied by a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration that the proposed structure will
         not constitute a menace to air navigation, or

     (c) It is accompanied by a request for waiver setting forth reasons sufficient, if true, to justify such a waiver.

[32 FR 8813, June 21, 1967, as amended at 42 FR 54824, Oct. 11, 1977; 61 FR 4363, Feb. 6, 1996]

§§ 17.14-17.17 [Reserved]

Subpart C—Specifications for Obstruction Marking and Lighting of Antenna Structures
§ 17.21 Painting and lighting, when required.
Antenna structures shall be painted and lighted when:

     (a) Their height exceeds any obstruction standard requiring notification to the FAA (see § 17.4(a) and § 17.7).

     (b) The Commission may modify the above requirement for painting and/or lighting of antenna structures,
         when it is shown by the applicant that the absence of such marking would not impair the safety of air
         navigation, or that a lesser marking requirement would insure the safety thereof.

     (c) An antenna installation is of such a nature that its painting and lighting specifications in accordance with
         the FAA airspace recommendation are confusing, or endanger rather than assist airmen, or are otherwise
         inadequate. In these cases, the Commission will specify the type of painting and lighting or other marking
         to be used for the particular structure.

[32 FR 11269, Aug. 3, 1967, as amended at 42 FR 54824, Oct. 11, 1977; 79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.22 [Reserved]
§ 17.23 Specifications for painting and lighting antenna structures.
Unless otherwise specified by the Commission, each new or altered antenna structure must conform to the FAA's
painting and lighting specifications set forth in the FAA's final determination of “no hazard” and the associated FAA
study for that particular structure. For purposes of this part, any specifications, standards, and general requirements

47 CFR 17.23 (enhanced display)                                                                              page 10 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 17.24
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

set forth by the FAA in the structure's determination of “no hazard” and the associated FAA study are mandatory.
Additionally, each antenna structure must be painted and lighted in accordance with any painting and lighting
requirements prescribed on the antenna structure's registration, or in accordance with any other specifications
provided by the Commission.

[79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.24 Existing structures.
No change to painting or lighting criteria or relocation of airports shall at any time impose a new restriction upon
any then existing or authorized antenna structure or structures, unless the FAA issues a new determination of “no
hazard” and associated FAA study for the particular structure.

[79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§§ 17.25-17.45 [Reserved]
§ 17.47 Inspection of antenna structure lights and associated control equipment.
The owner of any antenna structure which is registered with the Commission and has been assigned lighting
specifications referenced in this part:

     (a)

           (1) Shall make an observation of the antenna structure's lights at least once each 24 hours either
               visually or by observing an automatic properly maintained indicator designed to register any failure
               of such lights, to insure that all such lights are functioning properly as required; or alternatively,

           (2) Shall provide and properly maintain an automatic alarm system designed to detect any failure of
               such lights and to provide indication of such failure to the owner.

     (b) Shall inspect at intervals not to exceed 3 months all automatic or mechanical control devices, indicators,
         and alarm systems associated with the antenna structure lighting to insure that such apparatus is
         functioning properly.

     (c) Is exempt from paragraph (b) of this section for any antenna structure monitored by a system that the
         Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has determined includes self-diagnostic features sufficient to
         render quarterly inspections unnecessary, upon certification of use of such system to the Bureau.

[61 FR 4363, Feb. 6, 1996, as amended at 79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.48 Notification of extinguishment or improper functioning of lights.
The owner of any antenna structure which is registered with the Commission and has been assigned lighting
specifications referenced in this part:

     (a) Shall report immediately to the FAA, by means acceptable to the FAA, any observed or otherwise known
         extinguishment or improper functioning of any top steady burning light or any flashing obstruction light,
         regardless of its position on the antenna structure, not corrected within 30 minutes. If the lights cannot be
         repaired within the FAA's Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) period, the owner shall notify the FAA to extend the
         outage date and report a return-to-service date. The owner shall repeat this process until the lights are

47 CFR 17.48(a) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 11 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                47 CFR 17.48(b)
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

           repaired. Such reports shall set forth the condition of the light or lights, the circumstances which caused
           the failure, the probable date for restoration of service, the FCC Antenna Structure Registration Number,
           the height of the structure (AGL and AMSL if known) and the name, title, address, and telephone number
           of the person making the report. Further notification to the FAA by means acceptable to the FAA shall be
           given immediately upon resumption of normal operation of the light or lights.

     (b) An extinguishment or improper functioning of a steady burning side intermediate light or lights, shall be
         corrected as soon as practicable, but notification to the FAA of such extinguishment or improper
         functioning is not required.

[32 FR 11273, Aug. 3, 1967, as amended at 39 FR 26157, July 17, 1974; 40 FR 30267, July 18, 1975; 61 FR 4364, Feb. 6, 1996; 79
FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.49 Recording of antenna structure light inspections in the owner record.
The owner of each antenna structure which is registered with the Commission and has been assigned lighting
specifications referenced in this part must maintain a record of any observed or otherwise known extinguishment or
improper functioning of a structure light. This record shall be retained for a period of two years and provided to the
FCC or its agents upon request. The record shall include the following information for each such event:

     (a) The nature of such extinguishment or improper functioning.

     (b) The date and time the extinguishment or improper operation was observed or otherwise noted.

     (c) Date and time of FAA notification, if applicable.

     (d) The date, time and nature of adjustments, repairs, or replacements made.

[48 FR 38477, Aug. 24, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 4364, Feb. 6, 1996; 79 FR 56987, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.50 Cleaning and repainting.
Antenna structures requiring painting under this part shall be cleaned or repainted as often as necessary to
maintain good visibility. Evaluation of the current paint status shall be made by using the FAA's In-Service Aviation
Orange Tolerance Chart. This chart is based upon the color requirements contained in the National Bureau of
Standards Report NBSIR 75–663, Color Requirements for the Marking of Obstructions.

[79 FR 56987, Sept. 24, 2014]

§ 17.51 [Reserved]
§ 17.53 Lighting equipment and paint.
The lighting equipment, color or filters, and shade of paint referred to in the specifications are further defined in the
following government and/or Army-Navy aeronautical specifications, bulletins, and drawings (lamps are referred to
by standard numbers):

 Outside white                                   TT-P-1021 (Color No. 17875, FS-595).
 Aviation surface orange                         TT-P-591 (Color No. 12197, FS-595).
 Aviation surface orange, enamel                 TT-E-4891 (Color No. 12197, FS-595).

47 CFR 17.53 (enhanced display)                                                                                    page 12 of 14
47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 17.54
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

 Aviation red obstruction light—color            MIL-C-250502.
 Flashing beacons                                CAA-4463 Code Beacons, 300 mm.
 Do                                              MIL-62732.
 Double and single obstruction light             L-8103 (FAA AC No. 150/5345-24).
 Do                                              MIL-L-78302.
 High intensity white obstruction light          FAA/DOD L-856 (FAA AC No. 150/5345-43B4).
 116-Watt lamp                                   No. 116 A21/TS (6,000 h).
 125-Watt lamp                                   No. 125 A21/TS (6,000 h).
 620-Watt lamp                                   No. 620 PS-40 (3,000 h).
 700-Watt lamp                                   No. 700 PS-40 (6,000 h).

1Copies of this specification can be obtained from the Specification Activity, Building 197, Room
301, Naval Weapons Plant, 1st and N Streets, SE., Washington, D.C. 20407.

2Copies of Military specifications can be obtained by contacting the Commanding Officer, Naval
Publications and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Ave., Attention: NPPC-105, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.

3Copies of Federal Aviation Administration specifications may be obtained from the Chief,
Configuration Control Branch, AAF–110, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, D.C. 20591.

4Copies of Federal Aviation Administration advisory circulars may be obtained from the
Department of Transportation, Publications Section, TAD–443.1, 400 7th St. SW., Washington, D.C.
20590.

[33 FR 11540, Aug. 14, 1968, as amended at 40 FR 30267, July 18, 1975]

§ 17.54 Rated lamp voltage.
To insure the necessary lumen output by obstruction lights, the rated voltage of incandescent lamps used shall
correspond to be within 3 percent higher than the voltage across the lamp socket during the normal hours of
operation.

[42 FR 54826, Oct. 11, 1977]

§ 17.56 Maintenance of lighting equipment.
Replacing or repairing of lights, automatic indicators or automatic control or alarm systems shall be accomplished
as soon as practicable.

[79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014]

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47 CFR Part 17 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 17.57
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures

§ 17.57 Report of radio transmitting antenna construction, alteration, and/or removal.
The owner of an antenna structure for which an Antenna Structure Registration Number has been obtained must
notify the Commission within 5 days of completion of construction by filing FCC Form 854–R and/or dismantlement
by filing FCC Form 854. The owner must also notify the Commission within 5 days of any change in structure height
or change in ownership information by filing FCC Form 854. FCC Forms 854 and 854–R, and all related
amendments, modifications, and attachments, shall be filed electronically.

[85 FR 85532, Dec. 29, 2020]

§ 17.58 [Reserved]

47 CFR 17.58 (enhanced display)                                                                      page 14 of 14