Procedures for Reviewing Requests for Relief from State and Local Regulations

In this document, the Commission addresses the issues raised in a previous Commission Notice of Proposed Rule Making regarding its review of requests for relief from impermissible State and local regulation of personal wireless service facilities regarding environmental effects of radiofrequency (RF) emissions. We establish that such requests under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, shall be filed as petitions for declaratory ruling. Further, we establish certain required and recommended procedures regarding the service of pleadings and comment periods in such proceedings. The procedures adopted will facilitate the prompt resolution of such while ensuring that State and local governments have an opportunity to respond to issues raised in the context of these proceedings.