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Local Permitting Process • Local jurisdictions regulate wireless communications facilities through the permitting process. Most agencies require a discretionary permit, such as a conditional use permit, in order to construct a facility. Whether a permit is processed administratively or requires a public hearing varies among local agencies. Several jurisdictions in the San Diego area, such as the City of San Diego and County of San Diego, have established a two-level review process for wireless communications facilities. This two-level process enables administrative processing of "minor" projects, and a public hearing process for "major" projects. In general, administrative processing entails lower - permit fees and shorter processing times, while the public hearing process, involves higher permit costs and a longer permit turnaround time. For those jurisdictions with a two-level review process, whether a project is considered "major" or "minor" typically depends on both its type and location. For example, in the City of San Diego, building-mounted antennas and associated equipment rooms are processed by administrative review. in all zones, except residential. Most building-mounted antenna proposals on residential uses or within residential zones require a conditional use permit approved by the Planning Commission. Towers and monopoles also require the approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Many jurisdictions require all wireless communications facilities to be processed via public hearing to the Planning Commission, City Council, or other decision-making body, because current land use regulations do not specifically enable a two-level review process. In reviewing a permit for a wireless communications facility, local planners must consider the issue of land use compatibility. To address this issue of compatibility, wireless communications facilities are subject to local zoning requirements,which,are described below. Permitted Zones and Locations Local zoning ordinances designate specific zones where wireless communications facilities are either permitted or prohibited. Jurisdictions typically encourage wireless communication facilities to be located in commercial and industrial areas. Mjurisdictions permit wireless communications facilities in all zones through a conditional use permit process. When located in residential and/or open space zones, most jurisdictions typically require a conditional use permit approved by the Planning Commission or City Council. Some cities prohibit wireless communications facilities in certain zoning areas. For example, the County of San Diego prohibits antenna facilities in special purpose "Ecological Resource Area" zones, and the City of San Diego prohibits locating communication antennas on properties designated as historic sites. The City of San Diego also has a policy of"prudent avoidance," which stipulates that wireless communications facilities, due to perceived concerns about health impacts, should not be located in areas where people would be exposed to them for prolonged periods of • time. 25