Harmar ordinance would set rules for cell towers, antennas

The Harmar supervisors plan to vote this month on a proposed ordinance that would establish rules for installing wireless antennas and towers for 5G cellular service in township rights of way.

Supervisors will hold a public hearing prior to their regular meeting May 16 to receive resident feedback and questions and then vote on the measure.

Wireless communications companies are permitted by the Federal Communications Commission to place the antennas and towers wherever they want, but supervisors Chairman Bob Seibert has previously said municipalities can put limits on where they are installed and what they look like.

The ordinance is intended to protect residents who may live near rights of way, where towers and antennas could be installed.

The ordinance outlines provisions such as height, size, maintenance agreements and landscaping, among other things.

The township also would charge application fees ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the structure.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available at the township office for residents to inspect during regular business hours.

Officials have said they expect a lot of antennas to be placed across municipalities in the next decade or so and want Harmar to be prepared when that day comes.