St. Pete Beach commissioners are expected to finalize new restrictions on cell tower placement Tuesday, making it the first city in Florida to implement the most protective ordinance possible under federal and state law.

The revised ordinance, which passed unanimously during a first reading last month, addresses resident concerns about 5G equipment installed near homes, parks and schools. The city hired telecom law attorney W. Scott McCollough to help craft the regulations within the limits of federal and state laws that restrict local authority over wireless infrastructure.

Key changes include increased setbacks from residential and environmentally-sensitive areas, height limits for most residential facilities, enhanced application requirements for projects affecting sightlines, and mandatory compliance with environmental and historic preservation reviews.

The revisions also significantly expand the information telecommunications companies must disclose in permit applications and require notification to affected residents, giving them an opportunity to participate in the approval process.

The effort was led by the Florida Coalition For Safe Technology, founded by resident Lauren Mones, which raised funds to hire legal expertise. Resident KellyLee McFrederick successfully fought to have 5G equipment relocated from across the street from her home last September after it was installed without notice.

While the ordinance represents the strongest local protections available, the FCC and the state of Florida have preempted local authority to address regulatory barriers to wireless deployment, limiting what cities can do. Advocates said they plan to lobby state and federal lawmakers to change those laws.

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