At the July 17, 2018 City Council meeting, in response to Public Act 100-0585, the Crystal Lake City Council adopted an Ordinance providing for the regulation and permitting of small wireless facilities. After the City’s adoption of its small wireless facility regulations, which are codified as Chapter 428 of the Crystal Lake City Code, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued a “Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order” and a final federal rulemaking (collectively the “FCC Order”). Subsequently, at the January 15, 2019 City Council meeting, the City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 428 in response to the FCC Order.  

Chapter 428 of the Crystal Lake City Code has been approved to account for the provisions of Public Act 100-0585 and the FCC Order for the regulation of small cell facilities and wireless support structures within the City, including City rights-of-way.

Both Public Act 100-0585 and the FCC Order are intended to promote the rapid deployment of small cell facility infrastructure within the right-of-way by ensuring that municipalities grant or deny consent to install, operate, modify, or replace wireless facilities in a timely manner. The law recognizes the authority of a municipality to manage access to, and occupancy of, rights-of-ways to the extent necessary with regard to matters of local concern. This includes the protection of the integrity of residential and historic areas and ensures that the use of the rights-of-way in such districts is technologically and aesthetically appropriate.

Small wireless facility installations within City rights-of-way are also governed by the City's Rights-of-Way Design Guidelines, which were adopted by the City Council on July 2, 2019. The Right-of-Way Design Guidelines provide various rules and regulations for right-of-way apparatuses, utilities, and telecommunications facilities, including small cell wireless facilities. Design guidelines and application materials for placing small cell facilities within Crystal Lake’s right-of-way are provided on this page. Please submit the application permits, check list, and fees via email or in person at City Hall (100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014).